City Life Starter

The Word: 1 Corinthians 12:20-26

20 As it is, there are many parts, yet one body. 21 The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” 22 On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, 24 which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, 25 that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. 26 If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.

By Blesson C Selvanesan

Corinthian church was no exception, it also suffered from the usual tug of wars between personalities as it happens in almost all churches! Paul, as their spiritual father used his knowledge in human biology to explain the importance and need for everyone. Every part of the body is unique, valuable and has its specific function. They all need each other and is incomplete without one another. Apparently, some people in the Corinthian church thought that certain people are not needed because they do not function like others. In Paul’s words…it’s like eye saying to hand “I don’t need you”. It’s ironic that this could ever happen. If a speck of dust falls on to eyes, which is the first organ to come for eye’s aid? It’s the hand! When eye says I don’t need you, eye is harming itself by taking away its shield and protector!

Every part of the body is vital for the proper function of the body and every part is worthy of honor (That’s why we have medical specializations for every part of the body). More vulnerable yet vital organs such as brain, heart, kidneys etc. are not even visible but is protected well inside with bones, cartilages, muscles and layers of skin. Further, we protect our bodies by wearing clothes and personal protection equipment. If one organ is hurt, it is painful, and everyone suffers together and come for each other’s aid. Honor is also shared with all organs when one succeeds.

Application:

Church is supposed to work together as one body. A body that is not united and joint together is of no use. Half a body and half a body don’t make one body, not even an imperfect body but is only a dead body. It is very important to understand this concept in the church. We are the body and Christ Himself is the head. A body that is devoid of head is a dead body. As members of a local church, it’s our responsibility to play the part that God has given us. Be it big or small, all responsibilities are honorable is ordained by God. We should not compare ourselves with anyone’s role rather strive to do our jobs well to the best of our abilities to glorify God. It is ale essential that we protect, care and love one another. If there is a hurt, it needs to be taken care of immediately. Any church that has broken bodies and there is no pain is a dead church. Pain is essential for healing. If there is a misunderstanding in a church, everyone should feel the pain and rush to attend to the problem. If there is no pain and no one is attending the problem, then this church is seriously sickwith leprosy (sin) or simply dead! When there is a success, let everyone celebrate together and cherish one another as we are all connected and is commanded by one head.

Prayer: Dear God, thank you for creating me as I am. I alone can fit in the unique niche that you created for me to serve. Help me to play my part sincerely and appreciate the parts of others. Help me not to interfere or demean others but to treat everyone with respect. Help us to glorify you together as one body in unity and love. In Jesus Name. Amen.