Points to Ponder Week of 5/31/23
We know that God is a powerful creator who provides everything we need and knits us together in unique ways. The Psalmist says what we all know intuitively to be true in Psalm 139:13-14, “For it was you who created my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I will praise you because I have been remarkably and wondrously made. Your works are wondrous, and I know this very well.” Our bodies are an excellent example of unity in diversity. Looking at our bodies we see the endocrine system, the digestive system, the nervous system, the muscular system, the cardiovascular system, and so much more. God designed the various organs, and limbs of our bodies to function uniquely but in such a way that they are all one unit. When all the systems and parts of the body are functioning according to their design and in their right place, we consider the body to be healthy.
In this week's passage from 1 Corinthians 12:12-31 Paul leverages this amazing creation of God as a helpful reminder for us to understand that this is how God’s design in the church for the spiritual gifts stands as well. God is intentional about what gifts He gives to each member of a local body. Therefore, as part of God’s design the gifts we each have are called upon to function as a diverse unity in the body. Therefore, we should strive to ensure that neither spiritual depression nor spiritual pride should shut out any of the gifts, but rather that we celebrate and rely upon each of the gifts. Imagine with me a church in which each member understands the unique giftings God has placed in them, and is equipped and empowered to use that gift in positions prepared for them. Imagine if, rather than comparing one to another, the church sought to function in the unique giftedness God intended, to each play our part fully as He intended. God knows what He’s doing, He designed the body and He has just as intentionally designed His Body here at Blue Ridge to be able to function together for His glory, our good, and for the salvation of the lost.
In this week's passage from 1 Corinthians 12:12-31 Paul leverages this amazing creation of God as a helpful reminder for us to understand that this is how God’s design in the church for the spiritual gifts stands as well. God is intentional about what gifts He gives to each member of a local body. Therefore, as part of God’s design the gifts we each have are called upon to function as a diverse unity in the body. Therefore, we should strive to ensure that neither spiritual depression nor spiritual pride should shut out any of the gifts, but rather that we celebrate and rely upon each of the gifts. Imagine with me a church in which each member understands the unique giftings God has placed in them, and is equipped and empowered to use that gift in positions prepared for them. Imagine if, rather than comparing one to another, the church sought to function in the unique giftedness God intended, to each play our part fully as He intended. God knows what He’s doing, He designed the body and He has just as intentionally designed His Body here at Blue Ridge to be able to function together for His glory, our good, and for the salvation of the lost.
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