Worker Bees
Scripture Reading — 1 Corinthians 12:12-21
Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many.
When worker bees first hatch and emerge from their cells, their first task is to clean out their cell so that a new egg can be placed there.
As worker bees mature, they gain different responsibilities, becoming nurse bees for new bees, clutter cleaners, guards against hive robbers and threats (stinging if necessary), queen feeders (she cannot feed herself!), scouts and foragers for available nectar and pollen to make honey, and builders of new cells for storing honey, nectar, and eggs. All of this is done in about six weeks while the worker bee lives and prepares for the next generation to keep the hive thriving and growing.
It would be inconceivable for any of the bees in a hive to say to one another, “I don’t need you!” It would be just as unimaginable for an ear to say to an eye (or any other part of the human body), “I don’t need you!” That would be absurd.
For the body of Christ to mature and thrive, each of Jesus’ followers needs to humbly recognize and do their part. There are many, many ways in which Christ needs us to do our part with him and with the other parts of his body. When we each willingly discern and serve as we are gifted to do, we will mature together and thrive with the whole body.
Lord Jesus, help us to believe and serve as the part of your body where you need us and call us to be. Guide us to serve as you have gifted us, working with the other parts of your body for the benefit of all and for your glory. Amen.
About the author — Don Byker
Don Byker has been a pastor since 1984 in various churches and institutional settings. Don and his wife, Donna, are the parents of four adult children, two of whom are married. Donna and Don are also the glad grandparents of three granddaughters. Currently Don is serving in a rural church in Michigan full of gardeners.
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