The church (the body of Christ) is described by the New Testament writers as being composed of “living stones” and in other passages the church is described as being made up of different parts of the human body.
“These” living stones are of varying sizes and may serve different purposes in the construction of the building. Some may seem more important than others (steps, piers, foundation, lintels, bricks, countertops, pavers or gravel for the driveway). Some are polished or finished, some are small or thin and others are large and heavy. All are counted precious by God, all serve important functions and all are necessary for a completed and finished building (1 Peter 2:5).
In the illustrations of the church, compared to the human body, being made up of parts with different functions, we may not agree on who is the eye, head, toe or fingernail but we know that we must care for each part or the whole suffers. The gift of each part is valuable. Caring for and about the parts that are different than our part must be intentional. That is our calling: to be the church where everyone matters!