Daily devotional, July 25, 2024, The five senses
"Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." Galatians 6:2
It is a basic lesson we have all learned back in kindergarten. The five senses: the sense of sight, touch, smell, hearing, and taste. And the most effective way to teach children about it is through experience.
As followers of Jesus, the five senses can go beyond its physical and experiential meaning. It is something that we Christians can use to serve others, as Christ’s body here on Earth.
"And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,"
Ephesians 4:11-12
So how do we use our five senses to meet other people’s needs? Well, we all know that apart from physical needs like nourishment, shelter, and wellness, people have emotional needs. These needs, although intangible can be seen using God’s lenses. If only we could see people the way God sees them.
"For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:10
And so, as Christ’s body here on earth we can use our five senses to respond to the emotional yet very basic need of others. For example, we can use our sense of sight to meet the needs of other people to be seen and recognized.
People need to know that somebody sees them — the needs that they have, the problems that they go through and the good that they do. When we see that, we can then approach them to acknowledge what they do and what they are going through, and to let them know that we care.
"Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord"
Romans 12:10-11
After letting them know we see them, we can then can use our sense of hearing, to listen to them. Being heard is also another human emotional need. We want others to listen to us, but unfortunately, not everyone has someone in their life who is willing to spend time to listen to both their joys and suffering.
As followers of Jesus, we can share ourselves with others by spending time with them, listening to what they have to say. You will be surprised that there is more to the person than what meets the eye. You will also be surprised that a seemingly quiet and distant individual can laugh heartily when they have a sincere conversation with a person who is willing to listen. Alternately, you may be surprised that a seemingly happy go lucky person, has a lot of tears to shed.
"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."
1 Thessalonians 5:11
Another sense that we can use to meet other people’s needs is the sense of touch. We all need a pat in the back, a friendly back rub when overwhelmed with grief, and a tap on the shoulder when we are about to go astray.
We must not be reluctant to show recognition towards other people’s efforts by giving them that pat on the back that they have been waiting to receive. We should not also think twice about giving that friendly back rub to someone who is grieving and overwhelmed with sadness. More importantly, we should never refrain from tapping that someone who is about to go wayward, and remind him to stay on the right track.
"Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others."
1 Peter 4:8
We also have to be sensitive enough to smell upcoming trouble or brewing happiness so that we can “rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.” Everyone needs company, and we should help out someone who feels alone.
"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God."
Colossians 3:16
Lastly, our sense of taste should lead us to prompt others to “taste and see the goodness of the Lord.” We should be sensitive enough to feel their hunger pangs for a Messiah, and their thirst for the Living Water.
We should bring God to them. If they have yet to know Him, then we should share the Gospel with them. If they have been lukewarm in faith, then we should try to ignite the fire by inviting them to our Bible study groups, church events and volunteer activities, and in Sunday worship. If they are becoming wayward, then let us take it upon ourselves to feed them the truth of God’s word and snatch them away from the fire that is burning their souls.
"Save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh."
Jude 23
As followers of Jesus, we should not become too comfortable and live Kingdom work to our other fellow Christians. We have to remember, if not for the diligent followers of Jesus, we may still have been in the dark, groping for a Savior who can get us out of our lonely, sinful and godless existence.
"Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is."
Ephesians 5:15-17
Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to ponder on 1 Corinthians 12:27-31 and Philippians 2:1-11 to dig deeper on today’s topic.
Reflection Question: How can you be Jesus’ five senses in today’s world?
Conversation with the Lord: _Heavenly Father, thank you for calling me into your family. I pray that you will give me the strength and confidence to be your body here on Earth and serve others the way You want them seen, heard, touched, loved, and cared for. I want to help those who are still lost and are hungry for Your love and Your words. Help me help them. Amen.
