 |
|
| Volume 23 Number 7 July 2021 |
Page 11 |
|
|
| Volume 23 Number 7 July 2021 |
Page 11 |
Ronald D. Reeves
Though each season of the year offers us variant and enjoyable activities and often brings appreciated change from the most recent season of the year, let us be ever mindful of the possibility that we may allow such seasonal activities to distract us. They may distract us from our various personal and collective religious activities, including ones that have been biblically mandated by our Lord. Seasonal activities are commonly very beneficial and are often enjoyed by one and all. May I remind each of us that we covet your presence and fellowship as we work together in the Lord’s vineyard. However, personal distractions may lessen the vibrancy of our individual and collective work ethic in the Lord’s vineyard. I trust that each of us will manage our seasonal activities so that they do not become a distraction from our congregational work and fellowship. May we joyfully work together because of our love for one another, and most importantly, because the Lord has done so much for each of us. May the Lord bless us as we focus on our spiritual service unto Him. Let each of us make a diligent effort to grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord as we develop and apply our spiritual talents.
God’s Orchestra!
Chuck Taylor
You mean that any little congregation holds the power of God’s Word? Yes, it does! We don’t need to worry about being like other folks. The power of God is held in the Truth, and each member holds within his or her hands the demonstration of that Truth in obedience.
Another significant point pertaining to the body of Christ is that we members or Christians function as an orchestrated group that lacks nothing. As an orchestra has many pieces –violins, horns, drums, etc. – so it is with the church. Notice what Paul had to say in 1 Corinthians 12:13-19.
For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body — whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free — and have all been made to drink into one Spirit. For in fact the body is not one member but many. If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling? But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased. And if they were all one member, where would the body be? (NKJV)
There are many talents but one body! We should look at ourselves as one member of this grand orchestra. Each of us has an important and a unique position within the body. God expects us to use our talents for the betterment of the body. One member is not more prominent than the next member, and yet, no one is less essential to our needs than another. Consider that we are many members, but we operate and function as one.
It is also our duty to support one another. When one is down, the others lift him or her up. Notice Romans 12:15, where it says, “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.” One can count on the body of Christ! Working together, we can beautifully accomplish the work, being led by our Conductor – Jesus Christ. Think about it!