Devotions

How do I fit in?   Am I completely stand-alone, autonomous, or am I just a lowly cog in a machine?  Just what is a cog anyway?

The Merriam Webster online dictionary defines a cog as:

1. a tooth on the rim of a wheel or gear
2. a subordinate but integral person or part

Wikipedia defines a gear or cogwheel thusly: “A gear or cogwheel is a rotating machine part having cut teeth or, in the case of a cogwheel, inserted teeth (called cogs), which mesh with another toothed part to transmit torque. Geared devices can change the speed, torque, and direction of a power source.”

It is probably safe to say that most of us don’t like the idea of being a cog in a machine. We are all unique individuals, and we want to be seen as such.  Yet, gears and cogs are essential in things that move, such as bicycles, clocks, etc.  In essence, cogs work by fitting into places where they are needed.   

A machine comes to an abrupt and sometimes catastrophic halt when a single cog/tooth is missing.  All are integral, all are essential.   Being one of many ‘parts’ moving towards a common goal does not demean us, nor does it mean that we give up our uniqueness, with individual gifts bestowed upon us by God.

We are indeed all unique, but sometimes we need to become less concerned with seeking personal acclaim, and mesh with others to accomplish the tasks needed to advance the Kingdom.

Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.  For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.  Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many.  -- 1 Corinthians 12:12-14

by C.R.

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