I know a few groundhogs. They stay low and hidden, but make the occasional required appearance only to be scared back into their holes by their own shadows. Sometimes I would love the luxury of being a groundhog believer with all those excuses for staying underground: "I've been hurt;" "I messed up and can't face those people;" "I'm a loner," "I hate spotlights;" "I'm self-conscious," "I'm not trained in that area," "I'm lazy," "I gave for years," "Other people will do a better job." The only time a groundhog thinks of other people is when he considers how they can cover for him. Everything about the groundhog believer revolves around himself and his level of comfort. God calls His people to be the Body of Christ, nullifying any excuses we make for our groundhog syndromes. What better example is there of connectedness than a body? Ten beautifully orchestrated systems function together in miraculous ways to keep one healthy body going and growing.
1. Lymphatic/Immune
2. Nervous
3. Reproductive
4. Endocrine
5. Excretory
6. Digestive
7. Respiratory
8. Circulatory
9. Muscular
10. Skeletal
Not one of these systems can accomplish anything by itself, much less produce a healthy body. All systems must be "go" as they communicate constantly to individual organs and members of the body to achieve millions of tiny goals each day. No member or system gets the day off. My hand doesn't hide until it signs in worship service. My mouth doesn't disappear until dinner or solo time and my feet aren't complaining of boredom while under this desk as I type.
"As a prisoner for the Lord (broken bread and poured out wine), then,
I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.
Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
There is one body and one Spirit -
just as you were called to one hope when you were called -
one Lord, one faith, one baptism;
one God and Father of all, Who is over all and through all and in all."
Ephesians 4:1-6
Paul names seven connecting forces holding us together within the body of Christ:
1. One body
2. One Spirit
3. One Hope
4. One Lord
5. One Faith
6. One Baptism
7. One God and Father of all, Who is over all and through all and in all
"From Him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament,
grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work."
Ephesians 4:16
While we have individual jobs within the body, no believer can enjoy a guilt-free Groundhog Syndrome (a.k.a. "Diva Syndrome"). God calls us to do what Jesus did: to be broken and spilled out so other people will be saved. Broken and spilled means no hiding anything. I can't hide from His call to be light; I can only deny it.
"Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl.
Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.
In the same way, let your light shine before men,
that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."
Matthew 5:15-16
Lord forgive us for still making it all about us instead of reaching out of our cozy holes to work with and minister to others. We're self-consumed and it shows, whether through our conversation or actions. Heal us, Lord, and keep working in us to grow us into a healthy Body of Christ. You deserve to be the Head of a healthy, growing body. You're awesome and amazing in Your patience. You give hope just when we think "lost cause." Guide us not to hide when we're uncomfortable; not to stop giving because we've given enough; not to quit when we're tired; and not to disappear when there are people to love and to make feel comfortable. You call all of us to these ministries: no one is immune from the discipline of discipleship or from Your call to connect within the Body of Christ and to the people around us who still need You.
In the Name of Jesus Who prayed for our unity with the Father and with each other
Inspired by groundhogs everywhere and by My Utmost for His Highest, by Oswald Chambers
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