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I've
been thinking of how to incorporate (as asked to do), "what do I do
as part of the body of Christ", into a sermonette on the subject.
I've written about the Body of Christ several times, my friend pastor
Kenny has preached and taught on the Body of Christ as well. First of all,
the Body of Christ is the 'true' church of Jesus, not an institution,
organization or building. The Body of Christ is made up of 'Born Again
Christians' who have chosen to follow Jesus the Christ. That said, you and
I have a function and purpose as part of His Body. I can add the
ministries I've been involved in, service as teacher, preacher, writer,
camping ministry counselor, bus driver, singer, musician and giver. These
things and others come to mind as ways I've personally been a functioning
member of the Body of Christ. But this seems like blowing my own horn to
me and I really don't want to. We all like to have our backs patted, but
this isn't what the Body of Christ is about.
So, how can I relate on a personal basis a way or ways I am part of the
Body of Christ, without horn blowing? Wondering about this led me to think
of what I've seen others do, acting as the hands and feet of Christ. I
thought about friends who minister in the jails, to people others don't
think about. I thought about two friends who've gone into business
repairing lawn mowers, all the while promoting Jesus and ministering to
those who walk through their doors. And then I found myself thinking about
Andy. Andy is a person most people will avoid. He doesn't bathe often, so
being near him can be an assault on one's sinuses. He can be loud and with
rapid hand motions and pointing, he frightens some. Andy is mentally
challenged in some way. He isn't homeless, but appears to be, because he
wanders the downtown area and is identified with our homeless. Andy can be
counted on to attend church in at least two church services I know of. I
see him on Saturday nights at 'Takin' The Streets' aimed at 'bikers'. Andy
holds his hands high in the air as he mumbles his version of singing
praise songs and is one of the first to shout AMEN, or Halleluiah at the
appropriate times.
Andy gives to the body in his own way. Andy loves to be loved. I make it a
point to shake his hand and give him a hug; even when he does offend my
senses. Andy will announce to everyone within earshot, "You my buddy,
Huh? He my buddy! He MY buddy!" Andy is every bit as much a part of
the Body of Christ as I am. Perhaps, with his challenges, in his own way,
he is a part of the Body that God has sent to me (and others) to learn to
love. Andy is simple, not simple in mind, because when you can get him to
slow his speech, you can have a pleasant conversation with him. Andy is
simple in that he relishes the friendship of others. He is easy to please.
Where he is in his relationship with Jesus, I don't presume to know. But I
am certain it's part of my 'job' as one part of the Body of Christ to let
him feel the love of Jesus, to know that Jesus loves him and that He and I
value him. I can proudly say, "I AM ANDY'S BUDDY!"
Father, I thank You for sending people to show
me and help me learn to love as Jesus loves. I want to be a useful and
helpful part of the Body of Christ, not seeking glory for myself, but ever
wanting to see Jesus uplifted and glorified. Empty me of my pride and help
me to quietly listen for and seek Your will. Forgive my arrogance, when I
think I 'know' what I'm best suited for, or what to do. Show me and lead
me to the things You want my hands and feet for. I confess I am a sinner,
and ask forgiveness of my sins, while forgiving other sinners the harm
they've done to me. I pray honoring You above
all.... Amen.
Then one of the scribes came, and having heard
them reasoning together, perceiving that He had answered them well, asked
Him, “Which is the first commandment of all?” Jesus answered him, “The
first of all the commandments is: ‘Hear, O Israel, the LORD our God, the
LORD is one. And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart,
with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’
This is the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this: ‘You
shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment
greater than these.” So the scribe
said to Him, “Well said, Teacher. You have spoken the truth, for there
is one God, and there is no other but He. And to love Him with all the
heart, with all the understanding, with all the soul, and with all the
strength, and to love one’s neighbor as oneself, is more than all the
whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” Now when Jesus saw that he
answered wisely, He said to him, “You are
not far from the kingdom of God.” But
after that no one dared question Him. Mark 12:28-34 New
King James Version
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