There should be no division in the body. (1 Cor. 12:25)
METAPHORS BREAK DOWN. And even though the human body is an apt metaphor for the church, there are still ways the church is different from a body. Every part of your body is important. If one part of it is hurting, your whole body pays attention. But most of us have body parts we would sacrifice if it meant saving other body parts. We might prefer to lose a toe instead of an arm, for example. And at all costs, we protect the brain and heart.
And that’s where the metaphor breaks down. In the church, Paul said, not only should we recognize that everyone is important and has a role to play, we should have equal concern for every part. No one is to be valued over someone else.
Yes, we all have different gifts and make unique contributions. Some have a more visible role, while others work more behind the scenes. From our perspectives, some may seem more critical to the church’s mission and others more expendable, just as we might choose to save an arm over a toe.
But Paul said it’s not up to us to make those kinds of decisions in the church. We are to have equal concern for all. When it comes to providing care and meeting needs, we must be careful that no one slips through the cracks.
Provide care and support for someone who needs it today.
Kevin Scott is a pastor, acquisitions editor, and author of ReCreatable. He lives in Noblesville, Indiana, with his wife and three children.
