The Left-Hand Pinkie is Part of the Body, Too!

I have a finger that's smashed......really smashed. I smashed my little finger on my left hand Friday at work. I really smashed it. I was wrenching on an air compressor, really leaning on it and thinking "this wrench is going to slip and I'm going to rip all the skin off my knuckles". The wrench slipped. But I had gloves on, so no skin left my body. But man.....did I mention that I really smashed it?

For an hour following that, I was obsessed with it. It hurt, and it immediately started to change colors. It's all black under the fingernail now. It's swelled up enough that when I bend it, it feels like it's going to pop. I smashed it hard enough that a little blood squeezed out through the fingertip without actually cutting the skin.

In my mind, this is ridiculous. I mean, c'mon, it's the little finger on my left hand, and I'm right-handed. Let me tell you, that finger is really something I've taken for granted for far too long. I went to tie my shoes today and broke a sweat in the process because it was such an ordeal. Later, when I changed clothes for church I tucked my shirt in and found myself mumbling words that embarrass me (I never realized that my little finger has to lead the way when tucking my shirt in). And last, I pulled my gloves on and decided that was it. I'm going to have a "pinkie" day when this is all healed up and behind me. Yep, a hand massage, manicure, the works. That digit gets due recognition from here on out.

Some days I feel like the little finger on the left hand of life. Some days I feel unappreciated, invisible, insignificant, and overlooked by life. That's because during those times I'm looking to life to validate me. I'm counting on other people to tell me how important I am or how necessary my work is. It's human nature, I think, and man am I human. I have to remember that as a part of the Body of Christ, I'm significant to Him. He validates me, and He alone. The other parts of that Body can't make me whole, only my connection to Christ can do that. Although I serve a function just like all the other parts, the other parts will keep right on going even if I don't. So no big deal, right? But I think the Body as a whole works a tiny bit less efficiently if I'm not connected and working. And it works a tiny bit less efficiently if you're not connected and working, too. Together, as one whole Body, we can accomplish such amazing things. We can do what God has created us to do.

In Matthew 25 we read that the Kingdom is served when we serve he who appears to be the least among us. Just remember, that person that's so easy to dismiss could be the only mission God has for you today. As the lyrics go in Casting Crowns' song If We Are the Body:

But if we are the Body
Why aren't His arms reaching
Why aren't His hands healing
Why aren't His words teaching
And if we are the Body
Why aren't His feet going
Why is His love not showing them there is a way

Don't forget, you were "them" once. Maybe you still are. Maybe none of this makes any sense at all right now. Whatever the case, try connecting somehow to the Body. Find a church that preaches the Bible and the story of Jesus Christ. Through Him, you can be validated.

And you will always be significant.

Peace,

Mike