Furthermore, “the members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary; and those members of the body which we deem less honorable, on these we bestow more abundant honor” (1 Cor. 12:22-23). Widows, the elderly, the mentally disabled, those in chronic pain, those in acute grief and other seemingly weaker members are easy to disregard. Yet we are to show greater honor and pay closer attention to such as these.
We, as one body, are all striving toward the same goal: to believe that Jesus is enough for us. Though this “work of God” (John 6:29) will look different in each circumstance, the underlying struggle is the same: to put our faith in Him.
Let’s break down the dividing walls of generations, life stages and personalities. Instead of noticing only those who can relate to you (ME lens), open your eyes and look around. Become aware of those who are different than you (US lens) and strengthen one another.
Listen as one body.
The next time the message doesn’t apply to you, don’t check out. Listen as one who is affected by the weaknesses and successes of other believers. For example, here are a few ways to listen to a sermon on parenting, even if you’re not a parent:
- Ask God for empathy for parents and seek to understand the challenges they face.
- Listen for ways you can serve parents in their calling.
- Learn what the Bible says about parenting so you can gracefully encourage parents to obey those commands when they are weary.
- Pray for your friends who are parents based on what you learned from the sermon.
- Find time to write a note of encouragement to faithful parents.
May this perspective spill over in all directions …
- Singles, strive to encourage married friends.
- Wives, strengthen singles.
- Moms, be sensitive to those who don’t have or can’t bear children.
- Barren ones, support the moms around you.
- Young, befriend the elderly.
- Empty nesters, pray for the college students.
Instead of, “How does this affect me?” Let’s begin to ask, “How does this affect us?” Strengthen one another so that “when each part is working properly, the [body of Christ] will grow, building itself up in love” (Eph 4:16).
How can you begin applying this to last Sunday’s sermon?
