The number of people who run a business out of their homes is in the millions. But some have found that working alone can be a little too lonely. To give these lonely ones a community, “co-working” spaces have been designed. Large facilities are rented out where people working by themselves can share space with others. They have their own work area but can exchange ideas with fellow independent workers. It’s for those who feel they can work better together than they do alone.
Sometimes Christians think they work better alone. But we are meant to work together with others in the church. Every Christian has been placed into “the body of Christ” (1 Cor. 12:27). And the Lord desires that we take part in fellowship with a local community of believers—using our spiritual gifts and working together in His service.
Yet for various reasons, some aren’t able to join in. Because of health issues, they may be shut in at home or may not know how to fit in at church. Yet they are a needed part of the body (vv.22-25). That’s when others can meet their need for togetherness. Let’s do our part so that others may feel they’re an integral part of the community of faith. We work better together than alone. — by: Anne Cetas (FOR: Our Daily Bread; 3/25/12)
Thinking It Over
What can you do to help others feel a part of your church
community? Visit, pray with them, read Scripture together,
drop a note, or invite them to join you in serving others.
Fellowship builds us up and binds us together.
READ: 1 Corinthians 12:12-27
12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.
13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
14 For the body is not one member, but many.
15 If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
16 And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
17 If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?
18 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.
19 And if they were all one member, where were the body?
20 But now are they many members, yet but one body.
21 And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.
22Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:
23And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.
24 For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked.
25 That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.
26 And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.
27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
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Every soul is precious:
Do you recall the story of Helen Keller? She appeared to be unable to see, hear, or communicate with anyone. At first thought one would wonder why God had created this child and put her into such a situation. Yet when we marvel at her life’s accomplishments are we not also inspired and amazed when we think of the dedication and undaunted respect for her life which Ms. Sullivan, her teacher and friend, had for Helen? This is a glowing example of love, compassion, and perseverance in doing God’s will as well as an obvious acknowledgement of the divinely inspired potential in every soul He has created. Many would call the results a miracle. The truth is it was the will of God in action for both of them. Love, compassion, and perseverance came together in service.
Fear and doubt could have stopped this “miracle” of turning what seemed to be a hopeless situation into a wonderful life of accomplishment. But fear of failure and the doubt that it could be done took a backseat to the willful spirit of service to God. If we are to do God’s will on earth fear and doubt must be cast aside. The world is filled with want and need among the people. It is the field ripe for harvest. We are the laborers God’s will sends out to gather in this harvest of souls for Him in the name of Jesus
bill sr: well said absolutely spot on…that said if abortion had been legal when obama’s mother got pregnant…it’s a sure bet we wouldn’t be bothered w/ him now…