MEMBERS ONE OF ANOTHER

By Beatrice Mantock

 

As you commit your works unto the Lord, truly desiring to serve him by bringing forth good fruit, it happens sometimes that your eyes fall on your neighbor’s fruit, and you are comparing his with your own. Sometimes you get the impression that your work counts less; that it is not spiritual enough, not enough this or that. Other times you think that your work is even so wonderful that it deserves special recognition.

How profitable and refreshing is it then, to remember that we are all WORKERS TOGETHER WITH HIM, each and every one having his own work, his individual place and function in the Church, the Body of Christ, which is after God’s design.

1 Corinthians 12:18:
But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.

Romans 12:4-5:
For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:
5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.

Not only are we members of the same Body, but also "members one of another," which stresses our interdependence.

Ephesians 4:15-16:
But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

How it must be pleasing to God, when he sees his people work together for the edification of the Body, helping and strengthening each other in loving service and in obedience to Christ.

John 6:28-29:
Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?
29 Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.

I wish and pray for all Christians everywhere, that we continue to work and function together in truth and with pure hearts. May all our works be according to Christ’s commandments, and may we by them demonstrate that we believe on him who has been sent, Jesus Christ, the Head of the Body. Let us never cease to care for each other, and strive to be thankful for every worker, and for every worker’s work, even for the tiniest hidden fruit that is brought forth.

1 Corinthians 12:26:
And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.

Romans 15:6:
That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

God bless you!

 

 

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From the March 2000 issue of The Vine & Branches