And so there is no division in the body, but all its different parts have the same concern for one another. If one part of the body suffers, all the other parts suffer with it; if one part is praised, all the other parts share its happiness. All of you are Christ's body, and each one is a part of it. 1 Corinthians 12:25-27 GNT
The human body comprises eleven elements: oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, carbon, calcium, phosphorus, sulfur, potassium, sodium, chlorine, and magnesium. In addition, we have 600+ muscles, 78 organs, 200+ bones, and 37 trillion cells. Of course, this isn't an exhaustive list, there are some other things too, but you get the idea. While many individual things make up who we are, they function together.
When we get sick, whether it's a sniffle or something more significant, it means one or more of those things making us who we are is compromised. Conversely, we feel well when all those things work together as they should. Yes, it's a little more complicated than that; as we age, we sometimes realize some things used to work better.
Christ's body is composed of 2.2 billion disciples worldwide. Each member serves an essential function–none more or less important than the other. When we all work together for a single purpose, to share the good news of Jesus Christ, it is a healthy body. Sometimes though, things happen to compromise that wholeness–sin. When sin enters, it can spread, affecting the whole.
While we can't be responsible for the entire body, we can care for ourselves first and those around us second. I prioritize them in that way because we can't help to heal others without ourselves being healthy first. When the human body is injured, the healthy cells begin the repair, and so must we.
Gracious and loving God, thank you for knitting those 37 trillion cells into this form and breathing life into us. Thank you for the health we enjoy and for healing. We pray for the wholeness of the universal church, your body here on earth. Help each of us attend to our spiritual wellness. Where we have been affected by sin, forgive and heal us. Healed, help us to heal others. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
Comments