Scripture:
1 Corinthians 12:21-26 ESV
[21] The eye can not 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.
Observation:
I relate to Paul a lot his writing style and the way he goes about telling the truth. Here in 1st Corinthians chapter 12, he opens his raiders eyes as to how we should always work together. Starting off by telling them that they were placed together as a unit… or a body. He relates his teaching to something that has to have all its parts in order to operate correctly and with efficiency. There is not one part of the body that can say to another. I don’t know why you’re here. He goes on to explain that some parts of the body we cover up. Showing modesty because they shouldn’t just be exposed. Not because they are not needed but because they are. Their purpose is just different. The one thing that is for sure is that the body can not function the way it’s supposed to if it doesn’t have all its parts, and if they are injured or misaligned it makes thing hard as well. In short, what Paul is saying is wrapped up in the last verse that was selected for the SOAP this morning. There is not one part of the body that can honestly say to another… I don’t need you. It all works together for the same purpose. Paul’s point to all this is that when one part is struggling, the whole body has to compensate for that one part. However, the reverse is true as well. When one part of the body is honored, the body as a whole is honored. No one is in this alone.
Application:
I go to a church that loves people. Honestly, it doesn’t matter if they are tattooed. Jesus freaks or suits and ties Christians. We love them all and let GOD sort them out. We stand together, and we struggle together. Where most churches would take a guy like me and put them at the back of the church, hoping no one sees me the church I go to dose not do that. We are a body of believers, and our first command from GOD is to love HIM. The second is much like it. Love others. Now that being said, I would like to bring to light the reason the early church grew so fast. It’s because they never said… “You don’t belong here.” They welcomed everyone. Knowing that GOD made us all. They just loved. When they saw someone struggling. They came up beside them and did all they could to help. Once that person was back on their feet, they would show them how to do the very same thing for someone else. No one struggled alone. Honestly, it was a picture of loving your neighbor as you loved yourself. I don’t know one person who wants to struggle. Most of those who are struggling. Feel like they have no one. I know this because I have been there. I was the guy at the very bottom. Feeling alone and like I had no hope. Wondering why things were the way they were and not knowing that Jesus was with me the whole time. One day, a follower of christ saw my struggle and loved me like Jesus did, and I became part of the body. I say almost this to reinforce the fact that there is a place for you. You were created with a purpose and for a purpose. GOD has a plan for you… HE doesn’t care about your scars, your criminal history, or any of that. HE made you as part of HIS body. There are people you can reach that suit and tie christian can’t, and there are people a suit and tie Christian can reach that you won’t be able to. But my point is that you are not alone. There is a body of believers that is standing right beside you fighting with and for you. Locking shields with you defending you in prayer against the enemy. When you suffer, we all suffer, and when you rejoice. We get to celebrate as well. You are one of us scars and all.
Prayer:
Father, today we just want to thank you. We belong right where you planted us. You have placed us in a body of believers who will stand with us through it all. We are grateful. The friendships and brotherhood you have made us a part of shows us that we are indispensable. You knew it all along. You knew where we needed to be and created a path to get there. Thank you. That’s really all we can say… Thank you. If there is someone reading this that does not feel like they belong. Father, I pray that you open their eyes to the place that you have planted them. So that they can see how truly great your plan is and how much you truly love them. Lead those who believe with your Holy Spirit to stand beside them and love them when they don’t know how to love themselves. So that they can see just what YOU have done for them. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus we pray amen.