Scripture
But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.
1 Corinthians 12:24-26
Reflection
I’m going to approach these verses in two ways:
First approach…
This letter to the church of Corinth was expressing the ways in which they were to see themselves as a part of the body of Christ, without division amongst them, without division between them and the other parts (churches and congregations) of the body. The understanding that there should be equal concern and care for each other and for other people who represent other parts of the body. Because if one part suffers the entire body does. If one part is honored then every part is to rejoice.
But what we tend to find, then and even now, is that we not only have infighting between ourselves and other parts, but we’re even fighting with our own part.
Imagine your heart fighting itself.
Imagine one lung fighting itself.
We already know the damage caused when a part is attacked. When a germ runs amuck and a part tries desperately to fight back, there can be great damage to that part. And to other parts, impacting the entire body. But what if there wasn’t an external culprit that attacked? What if the heart (or the lung) just started fighting itself?
Look at the disruption one part causes to itself and to the entire body. Now add to it the chaos that comes when one part attacks or refuses to help another part. What if the heart just said, “Screw it, I’m not helping the lung”? Well since the heart pumps blood and performs other awesome things each day, the lung would not be the only part to suffer. The entire body would.
We don’t realize how much we are interconnected and our interdependence upon each other. We can cause a domino effect of pain and chaos, or one of joy and stability. Consider your impact on the world and not just how the world impacts you. Stop fighting other parts (people) because they think differently or don’t agree with you. Stop attacking what you fear or can’t master.
Second Approach
What you neglect to care for today, may be gone or damaged tomorrow. Take the time to honor your entire body every single day. Stick out your tongue, blink your eyes, wiggle your fingers and toes, and smile. Look in the mirror and flash those pearly whites (even if you only have 12 left) and say, “Thank You Father”.
Rotate your head in every direction and inhale. Stretch to the heavens and exhale. Stretch to the ground God made, and smile. Stretch as you turn your waist to the east and the west, and feel your body move.
If you’re able, take a brisk walk or jog; cycle or jump rope for at least 30 minutes a few times per week. Nourish your body with clean, whole, organic foods and drinks. Show God how grateful you are to have this incredible vessel we call a body. Show God how honored and humble you are that He gave you life. Then rejoice!
Two approaches, same meaning. I hope it blessed you in some way.
Prayer
Father, thank You for my spiritual and physical body. Thank You for making me a connected part of the body of Christ. When I neglect any area I have neglected the whole. This is no different than when I partially commit to You; I am not getting the full return on my investment.
Father, I don’t want to neglect what You have blessed me with. I don’t want to have a conditional relationship with You, Lord. I don’t want to be partially committed to You. I don’t want to randomly take care of my body, or passively engage within the body of Christ. I want to have a healthy relationship with my body, and with Your children, not taking either for granted, and most importantly—not taking You for granted.
So, I Thank You Father for my recommitment, realignment, and reengagement. I love You. Amen.
Embrace this incredible day!
Love,
Natasha
Copyright 2011-2022. Natasha L. Foreman. Some Rights Reserved. All Prayers and Reflections are Copyright Protected by Natasha L. Foreman. BreakingBreadWithNatasha.com
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