“But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.” (1 Corinthians 12:24b-26)
By Pastor Jim Miller
GCU Corporate Chaplain
Confession time: I bite my nails. I’m not sure that it’s a nervous habit or an irrational fear of clippers, but it’s just how I pass my time. Until last week when I went a little overboard and, well, let’s just say that one of my fingers was pretty sore for a few days. I know, TMI. So for those few days, even though overall I was healthy and in pretty good shape, all I could think about was how much that one fingertip hurt. It was constantly on my mind. Can you see where this is going?
Paul is in this passage promoting a oneness, a depth of love among those who walk with Jesus, a community so interconnected that if one person is hurting, we all feel it. He tells us that being part of the Kingdom of God means understanding that we need each other, that when you hurt, I hurt, and when you succeed, I’m happy for you. And this is as true for us here in this workplace environment as it is in the church. This is more than just a job! The Body of Christ exists here in this place.
Take a minute to look around at the people surrounding you right now. How many of them are sore fingers? How many of them need you to be Jesus to them? Don’t look away until you determine how you’re going to come alongside them and speak life into them.
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The next all-employee Chapel starts at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 15, in the lecture room of Building 71. Scott Hovater, online professor in the College of Theology, will bring God’s encouragement to us.
