To The Suffering Church

By Author: Joyce C. Lock
Total Articles: 80
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A Wise Preacher

Because the preacher was wise, he taught the people knowledge; yea,
he gave good heed, and sought out, and set "in order" many proverbs. Eccles. 12:9

Let all things be done decently and "in order". 1 Cor. 14:40

When passages are explained or even quoted "in order",
as per our understanding (in our own language),
their original intent cannot be missed.

(example to follow)

~ To the Suffering Church ~

Turn Down the Oven

1 Corinthians 12:18, 22-26

Just because one's comely parts have 'no need' does not mean those, whose service seems less comely, do not have purpose, too. In fact, when one's gift shines above another, that was God's doing, not ours.

Those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are NECESSARY ... not only for reasons yet to be understood, but because, also, God hath tempered the body!

When Jesus warned that forbidding others 'trying to grow in service for Him' would cause suffering (Matthew 19:14), fruit inspections were not a given option.

When one member ...
... suffers, the oven temperature goes up; wherein, all members are made to suffer ... because the degree of being tempered has to make up for another's lack in being able to fulfill what God has called them to do.

God tempered the body so there would be no schism, but that members would finally realize 'having the same care, one for another,' is not negotiable. We're to have the same care for the custodian as the preacher, the same respect for the follower as the leader, the same love for the sinner as our most cherished friend.

Therefore, those members of the body whose service we think to be less honourable ~ upon these we bestow more abundant honour. And, once we do so, we will begin to discover one shouldn't have thought more highly of themselves than they ought (Romans 12:3). But also, ministries will begin to flourish wherein all members will rejoice!

~ * ~

Is not this the fast that I have chosen?
to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens,
and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?

Isaiah 58:6

Until then, we mourn for The Suffering Church.


© 2005 by Joyce C. Lock
http://our.homewithgod.com/heavenlyinspirations/
This writing may be used in its entirety, with credits in tact,
for non-profit ministering purposes.
About the Author Joyce C. Lock is a published author, poet, and columnist. In addition, she founded and maintains the email ministries "Heavenly Inspirations" http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HeavenlyInspirations/ and "Share a Smile" http://groups.yahoo.com/group/smilesharing/. Joyce's writings encourage us in our relationship with God and each other.