that there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
1 Corinthians 12:25, 27 KJV
Context and Charge:
Have you ever imagined what impact autoimmune disease has on the body, where the body's immune system fights against the body? Imagine where red blood cells that carry oxygen and remove carbon dioxide from the body suddenly refuse to work as they should. This is similar to the picture that today's verse portrays: the body was built to function with all parts working in harmony to achieve a fully healthy and functional body. The reason why no 2 parts look the same is because they do not carry out the same function; even though the teeth and tongue are located in the mouth, each has its own role. The moment one part feels it is more important than another, trouble starts. That body can no longer function at its optimum. As it is with the physical body, so is it with the spiritual body. Am I a part of a functional and healthy spiritual body, or am I pursuing and promoting my own selfish agenda?
God's idea of a perfect body is one where each part cares for the other. It is the same care that the hand has for the feet that the eyes have for the ears. No part is less important, simply because it is not visible, audible or its impact and effect felt. We do not see the small or big intestines, but our bodies will surely feel the impact if they do not work as they should. The fact that I do not see the prayer team members come together before service to pray does not mean that their role is not important. The fact that it is only the pastors and teachers that everyone sees does not make them more important than the man or woman who is focused on church cleaning and is faithful to the assignment. Who determines which part is more important than the other? Would it be a part of the body itself, or the creator of the entire body Himself? If He says all are important, then His view is all that matters; nothing else.
Conviction and Conclusion:
When I am joined to Christ, I share in a very special relationship. I am joined to the body of Christ, with Christ supplying all that the body needs to thrive and impact. As long as I am joined to that body, I enjoy all that Christ supplies. The things on the surface, such as skin colour or language, are all minor matters when compared with the status of the family I have become a part of. It is a family that goes above national boundaries; as I call on the name of Jesus in one part of the world, and another person calls on the same name in a different part of the world, we all have access to the same Christ. A divided body cannot survive or thrive, a body at war with itself will not last. Christ is not the author of confusion and he is not a part of anything that promotes discord or division. What kind of body am I a part of? Christ's, or the one I have put together for my own benefit? God's time of favour is here.
No comments:
Post a Comment