Whose Body?
1 Corinthians 12:27 KJV
(27) Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
I did some work a couple years ago for a pool cleaning company. I really enjoyed being outside in the sun and rain, getting plenty of exercise and taking care of many different pools, some of which were pretty incredible. The main purpose in servicing the pools was to clean out any debris from them and treat them chemically so algae wouldn’t take over. Besides chemical treatment, though, it required taking a long brush and giving the sides a good brushing to dislodge any algae attached there. I did pretty well with all that for a few months until my left elbow gradually began to develop tendonitis from the constant motion. It became very painful to move even a little, but especially to twist it to play the guitar.
If I had continued with that job, it probably would have just become worse, but since that particular elbow was attached to my body, a dual responsibility began to form. The rest of my body tried to compensate and help it by trying different motions, and the elbow itself began to seek recovery for the sake of the rest of my body. Eventually, for my elbow and the way it was affecting my body’s ability to function in other ways, it became necessary to get another form of employment and give my body’s elbow a chance to heal. I didn’t just get rid of it because it was hurting or just decide to quit using it. It was and is a very important part of my body’s purpose.
According to the plan and design of our heavenly Father, we have been placed in Christ’s body with a specific function to perform. It is the responsibility of the whole body to insure the health of each member, but it is also the responsibility of each member to avoid those things that would debilitate it and cause it to be a hindrance or pain to its fellow members. Rather than just remain in an increasing state of irritation, God, through His word has provided everything we need to both tend to the needs of others and to our own needs. The whole body will be able to move/ function as He designed, as for each of us it is much more than His body alone, but our body, to which we are fitly joined and committed. The smallest and neediest member, rather than getting cut off, is the focus of the most tender care and understanding, as the body’s real purpose and function is enabled through the restoration and healing of each member.
