Indispensable

On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable.                                                     1 Cor. 12.22

Paul is talking about the body of Christ, and comparing it with the human body. He mentions weaker parts, less honourable parts, and unpresentable parts of the human body. He proceeds to make the point that everypart has a specific function; every part is vital; and without any part the rest of the body would not perform as it should.

So it is with the Body of Christ. All the parts of the Church are interdependent. Each is mutually dependent with others. Functions may be distinctive, but every function is important. It is sometimes a folly of the Church to see some roles as more important than others. Paul is dispelling that notion. Those who appear to have less important functions in the Body of Christ are actually indispensable. Those who seem to have quite “ordinary” gifts are to be honoured and supported, for they are vital to the full and proper functioning of the body. Those whose function may appear to be very obscure are to be given special respect and encouragement.

It is interesting that Paul set these things down so very long ago, and yet the Church of today appears to be as obsessed with position and power as it ever was. God help us!

Lord, 

I thank You for every part of Your Body. I raise each individual to You and ask that You place every one in that position where You want them to be and to function. Bless them and grow them. I declare no person is insignificant in Your Body. Hallelujah! Precious Lord, bring about new recognition of all who claim You as Saviour and Lord.

I pray that You will dismantle all power plays within the Body. Let all internal struggles disappear. Raise instead a unity and common purpose that will see Your Church as a force of reckoning in the hopelessness of the world today. The world needs Jesus. He should be found in the Church. Dear Lord, let this be true. And let Your Church not wait for people to come looking but let us intercede with You for their salvation.

Lord Jesus, You found me and brought me to You. Use me to bring others to You. Show me the ways. Lead me in them, to Your praise and glory.       Amen.