I'm reading an old classic - In His Image by Paul Brand, M.D. It reads like a physiology text and I am loving it! For today's Wednesday's Word, I will share some of my impressions after ingesting what he has to say.
The physical body is made up of a bazillion cells (can you tell this is in my own words?). Each cell is distinct, yet connected. Every cell in my body contains my own unique DNA, which links each one to one another, making them all belong together. Yet they are separate from one another, individual. Some work together and function as a group, different from other cell groups, yet all orchestrated to operate in harmony with one another. Every single cell in my body responds to orders from my brain...and every single cell recognizes an inherent bond with every other cell in my body, responding to their needs. When cells, at least most of them, work as they are designed to do, I am healthy. If enough rogue cells have their distorted way, my whole body can suffer.
Indeed, this is the picture of the Body of Christ. We are all separate individuals, yet, because we are imprinted with the DNA of Jesus, we not only respond to His commands but also to the needs of others. In fact, many of His commands involve meeting the needs of others! Think of the numerous "one another" exhortations in Scripture - "wash one another's feet", "love one another", "serve one another", "teach and admonish one another", "pray for one another", "confess your sins to one another", "comfort one another", "bear one another's burdens", "forgive one another". When we all "do to one another as we would have them do unto us", the Body functions in beautiful, beneficial, healthy harmony.
And the world takes note.
"We will, in all things, grow up into Him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From Him, the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work" Ephesians 4:15,16
The physical body is made up of a bazillion cells (can you tell this is in my own words?). Each cell is distinct, yet connected. Every cell in my body contains my own unique DNA, which links each one to one another, making them all belong together. Yet they are separate from one another, individual. Some work together and function as a group, different from other cell groups, yet all orchestrated to operate in harmony with one another. Every single cell in my body responds to orders from my brain...and every single cell recognizes an inherent bond with every other cell in my body, responding to their needs. When cells, at least most of them, work as they are designed to do, I am healthy. If enough rogue cells have their distorted way, my whole body can suffer.
Indeed, this is the picture of the Body of Christ. We are all separate individuals, yet, because we are imprinted with the DNA of Jesus, we not only respond to His commands but also to the needs of others. In fact, many of His commands involve meeting the needs of others! Think of the numerous "one another" exhortations in Scripture - "wash one another's feet", "love one another", "serve one another", "teach and admonish one another", "pray for one another", "confess your sins to one another", "comfort one another", "bear one another's burdens", "forgive one another". When we all "do to one another as we would have them do unto us", the Body functions in beautiful, beneficial, healthy harmony.
And the world takes note.
"We will, in all things, grow up into Him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From Him, the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work" Ephesians 4:15,16