Many Parts – One Purpose
I am ready for the windy weather to cease, so I can get out and use my racing chair to get ready for the Colfax Charity 5K. Thanks to those who have donated for my effort and the cause of Teen Challenge. Your fight against substance abuse and support of those who are experiencing freedom from addiction is greatly appreciated.
This afternoon I had a different medical related appointment. I received a medical massage from Twyla (Hill) Osler. Debbie and Twyla have known each other for many years growing up in the same church in Fort Collins. Twyla experienced her own health challenges when twenty-four years ago she was diagnosed with a brain tumor and given six months to live. Through God’s intervention and some successful surgeries she is doing well and helping others in their rehabilitation process.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ….But now indeed there are many members, yet one body. 1 Corinthians 12:12,20
See how good and pleasant it is when brothers and sisters live together in harmony!…That is where the Lord promised the blessing of eternal life. Psalms 133:1,3 (GW)
Paul writes to the Church at Corinth and uses this extended metaphor to challenge a Church which had its problems with unity. Christ in His work through the Church uses different people, with different gifts, but all for the same purpose.
It was interesting as I visited Twyla today and her comments about muscles and the need to ensure that the muscles that are supposed to be working together are working together and muscles that are to be working with different functions are working properly. (my poor wording about her excellent explanation) But basically, it was interesting that even within the structure of our muscles in order for legs and arms to move there is a need for muscles to function properly and to work together. Dormant and “lazy” muscles prolong disability.
Just that in itself can serve as a good illustration of the need of unity in the work of the Church and for that matter any organization. If nothing else during my time of illness and rehabilitation I have found out more about the function and interconnectedness of the body and what it takes for it to function properly than I would ever expect.
Debbie was explaining to me my immune system issues. She said basically, “Your antibodies instead of fighting infection are fighting each and putting your life at risk.” That is almost one of those “Selah” moments. That’s from the Psalms and it means, pause and ponder. Of course when I heard that I blurted out, “sounds like the Republican party!” It also sounds like many Churches. However, it can apply to a sports team or any organization. If you fail to understand your purpose and begin to fight each other over roles, value and petty issues the effort will be undermined and failed.
I recall hearing about President John Kennedy visiting Cape Canaveral during the early days of NASA. He met a janitor and asked him about his job. The janitor replied, “I am working to put a man on the moon.” When each person understands the goal, the mission and understands that what they do contributes to that purpose amazing things will happen. And when there is a failure of those in the organization to understand their role and begin fighting each other, “amazing things happen as well!” Obviously not good things. As someone once said about the Church, “when it works there is nothing like….when it doesn’t work there is nothing like it!”
 The unity the comes from understanding roles, calling and purpose is something that comes from God, the work of His Holy Spirit. As a result, we can excuse secular organizations and political parties when they fail. However, the Church has a different level of accountability. Should I say, “They should know better?” I guess I just did.
To sponsor Ken with a tax deductible donation to Teen Challenge go to: www.coloradogives.org/ksummers