Good morning, brothers and sisters.
Our verse for today comes from Acts 11:22, “The report of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch.”
The map of our church facilities includes the main sanctuary, the Sunday School building, the fellowship hall, the preschool wing, and the church offices. On the grounds we have a courtyard, two playgrounds, a Gaga ball pit, a softball field, and several parking areas. What might be called an organizational chart includes our pastor, worship leader, pastoral assistant, student and family minister, preschool ministry coordinator, and administrative assistants. Our lay leaders consist of several elders and deacons. What you don’t find designated anywhere is what are the ears of the church. We know who the head is, as defined in scripture, and we know who the ultimate Head is over all His body. But there is no official designation as to the ears, eyes, hands, feet, or any other part. Our human bodies have 206 bones, around 78 organs, and nine body “parts” if you label them by location, such as head, neck, abdomen, extremities, etc. Our church body, too, has multiple bones, organs, and parts. We have a skeleton of structure and support, we have organs that are vital, and some less so, and we have parts that do certain things and include many other elements of function.
Where I think our collective body is in need of assistance is in understanding and believing that our own role and involvement actually impacts the other parts of the body. Too often we only consider how things affect ourselves that we forget that our participation, involvement, or contribution can impact someone in ways we may never fully realize. You can have no idea how you not doing something or being somewhere alters what did take place or how it affected others. We know in life that the most beneficial things for our bodies are oftentimes the things most challenging to do. Likewise, when we act in obedience and sacrifice, despite what we might rather do with our time and resources, the whole body can be blessed and our Head is honored and magnified. Whatever you are, you are a vital part of the body, and others need you. Fulfill the calling that God has given you.
As we seek Him today, give to the body what is yours to give.
Have a terrific Monday.
#4 Rich Holt
Dad of Ripken, Koy, TrishaJean, Samantha, Kakie Holiday and Raleigh
Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them.
