Thursday, January 14, 2010

Nice body!

"On the contrary, the memebers of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and those members of the body that we think less honorable we clothe with greater honor, and our less respectable members are treated with greater respect; whereas our more respectable members do not need this."
(1 Corinthians 12:22-24a)

During times of emergency, the State of Hawaii designates its employees as either "essential" or "non-essential" workers.  Thus, they can declare that only the "essential" workers come to work, if needed.  Of course, I understand why this designation is made from time to time.  However, it's a good thing that God doesn't see us in those terms!

We humans still do a good job of differentiating ourselves and establishing hierarchy among one another.  Oh, we may not admit it, but we probably all have marks of gradation when it comes to sorting out one another.  And it's not just a "have vs. have not" spectrum... as if the poor and homeless are the only ones seen as "less than" (though that is a reality much of the time).  There are also those ego-centric, mean-spirited folks that can get on our collective nerves.  Anyway, we have our own lists of "indispensable" and "less respectable" members of society.

But Paul calls us to look at the human body for wisdom.  EVERY part is valuable!  Some just happen to be more "up front and personal," so they tend to get more attention.  But when you think about it, Paul says, those parts don't need to  be "clothed with greater honor" like some of our "less respectable" members do (clearly, this was written before the 'clothing optional' beaches became popular!). 

What would it mean for me to see EVERYONE I come in contact with today as "indispensable"?  (Whether they're closed with honor or not!?)  And how might I give greater honor to those who have not been granted much in the past?  All of the Body is important.  Amen to that!

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