This illustration was given to me many years ago and has never diminished in its importance. It is the key to living a fruitful Christian life.
Please do the Following exercise.
Put your hand on a flat surface and look at the five fingers. If for some reason you were required to lose one of these fingers, which would it be? In each illustration you may use a rubber band to disable each finger. We are going to determine the functional value of each finger.
First finger: Disable the little finger, perhaps with a rubber band, and you will do this with each additional finger. This finger appears to be the least important, unless you want to wear a ring. Now pick something up with the other 4 fingers not using that little finger. The hand functions reasonably well with the 4 you have left. Try it, am I right? However, double your hand into a fist and do not use the little finger. I see a much weaker fist without the little finger!
Second finger: When a person marries it is traditional to place a symbol of love and devotion on this second finger. It is normally referred to as the ring finger. Demonstrate now how your hand functions when the ring finger is disabled using only the other four fingers. The hand is limited in activities, useful but limited.
Third finger: The middle finger appears to be more of a stabilizer to the other 4 and this is very significant. The hand still functions with the other 4 but in a notably limited capacity. Also notice that this finger is the longest of the 5. However, when you make a fist of all 5 fingers, they appear to be of the same length. Why is this significant? They are now working as a unit, and we all know the value of a fist.
Fourth finger: This finger is called the index finger or the pointer. It functions very well with all four of the other fingers. Actually, it may be used more often than the three just mentioned, but without those other three its effectiveness is severely limited, and I emphasize the word severely.
Fifth finger: In my opinion the 5th finger, called the thumb, is not just critical, it is essential in the proper use of the other four fingers. I challenge you, right now, to do any simple exercise with your hand not using your thumb. The other four fingers can barely do anything in concert without the thumb. In reality, however, every finger on the hand depends on the other for success. The successful person will exercise each finger to its fullest capacity.
Now let me explain the significance of each finger in the function of the body of Christ:
The little finger represents “hearing” the Word: ” So then faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God” (Roman 10: 17). Research Indicates that a person will remember only 5 to 10 % everything read. In its place it is very significant.
The fourth finger represents “reading” the Word: ” Blessed is he that reads, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.” (Revelation 1:3) A person may retain 15 to 25% of what is read.
The third finger speaks to a “study” of God’s word: ” These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the Word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” (Acts 17:11) A person may remember 35 to 50% of what is studied.
The 4th finger emphasizes memorizing God’s word which enables us to serve well and to overcome Satan and his temptations: ” How shall young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto according to thy word. With my whole heart have a sought thee: Oh, let me not wander from thy commandments. Thy word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against thee.” (Psalm 119: 9 -11) Theoretically, you will remember 100% of what you memorize. As we all know this is in theory only but can be aided by a program of review. Take note also that when Jesus was tempted by Satan, he used only the Word of God in response.
The 5th finger, the thumb, is the most critical member of the hand. It refers to meditating upon God’s word: ” This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayst observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous and then thou shalt have good success.” (Joshua 1: 8) Notice also in this verse the key phrase ” to do.” Remember the old adage: “To stand outside the door is not to go in.”
Now the application: look at your hand and evaluate each symbolic finger. determine your strengths and shore up the weaknesses. And forge ahead in your pursuit of God.