We are lacking.
And sadly we know it.
Our recognition of our own inadequacy leads us first to insecurity, and ultimately to jealousy.
Jealousy of that which we fail to possess. We constantly identify absent traits, skills, and windfalls and are both saddened and angered by their existence. We dwell on futile questions like, ‘why or why not me’ and cherry-pick choice data points from the lives of others. We long to be singularly complete and significant.
However, we fail to recognize that our significance and value are made perfect in community not isolation. That our unique strengths and traits bring with them inherent weaknesses that might only be perfected when complemented by someone else. For community, not individual, has been the consistent theme.
“I want you to think about how all this makes you more significant, not less. A body isn’t just a single part blown up into something huge. It’s all the different-but-similar parts arranged and functioning together. If Foot said, “i’m not elegant like Hand, embellished with rings; I guess I don’t belong to this body,” would that make it so? If Ear said, “I’m not beautiful like Eye, limpid and expressive; I don’t deserve a place on the head,” would you want to remove it from the body?”
Guilty. I have absolutely felt like the aforementioned Foot or Ear.
I have often looked at the gifts and opportunities other people have received and been jealous. I have wished I was somehow different and more like them. And in doing so I have failed to appreciate the utility of the gifts and opportunities I have been provided.
Paul’s use of the body as an analogue is extremely helpful in properly reframing my perspective. For I can readily understand and appreciate the utility and necessity of the individual parts. And understand the importance of each to the greater community’s ability to function.
Let us then forego our vain longings to be something we simply aren’t, and instead embrace the beauty and utility of who we were designed to be. The peace and function we will achieve is sure to be impactful. Furthermore, it will enable us to properly function in harmony with our community and provide the utility we uniquely possess.