Author: Rev. Lek Aik Wee

The suffering of one member will have consequence repercussion on the other members. This is so when one part of the body suffers, the entire body is affected. There was a Christian who gradually became blind. He impacts his life so much, he has to rely on the other functioning parts of his body for his daily sustenance. He has to rely on the heightened sensitivity of his hands and feet since he is unable to appreciate his environment due to the gradual loss of his sight. The other parts of the body have to double up to support the suffering member.

William MacDonald observed, “The mutual care of the members prevents division or schism in the body.”

He further explained, “One gives to another what is needed, and receives in return the help which only that other member can give. This is the way it must be in the church.”

We observe the wisdom of God in the construction of the human body with the varied parts that make the whole body. It is a mutually inclusive design that gives the overall functionality through interdependence.

Walvoord observed well, “… Paul was reaching back in thought beyond the immediate discussion of gifts when he referred to weaker members (v. 22; cf. 8:7-13) and less honorable ones (12:23; cf. 11:22) who also required special care and consideration. This too was part of God’s plan (God … combined the members), that members of the spiritual body would demonstrate a mutual concern for the well-being of others (12:25b-26; 10:24, 33) so that rivalry would cease (so that there should be no division in the body; 1:10; 11:18) and genuine unity would exist (12:26).”

The Lord makes in His sovereign and infinite wisdom the miracle of the human body. And He breathes into the man and he becomes a living soul. The man whom God created has the imprint of the living God. The man is to reflect in his life the praise and glory due to His Creator. The church, the body of Christ, consisting of many members, endowed with diverse gifts for God’s honour and glory.

William MacDonald said well, “Just as it is folly for one person to envy another’s gift, so it is equally foolish for anyone to depreciate another’s gift or feel that he doesn’t need the others. The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” The eye can see things to be done, but it can’t do them. It depends on the hand for that. Again, the head might know that it is necessary to go to a certain place, but it depends on the feet to take it there.”

After Christ’s ascension, the church was asked to tarry in prayer until the Holy Spirit comes in a mighty manner to fill them and lead them to fulfil God’s redemption plan for all mankind. The make-up of the 120 disciples gathered to pray were all saved during Christ’s earthly ministry. There were men and women of diverse backgrounds with a common Master. When the Spirit of God came mightily to fill this core team of the infant church, they were endowed by the Spirit of Christ with gifts to fulfil God’s purpose for the salvation of souls to the honour and glory of His Name. The body of Christ advanced in unity to permeate throughout the Roman Empire. Congregations of believers sprung up everywhere as the gospel is being preached and souls were saved.

William MacDonald observed well, “It is impossible to think of a body with only one member.”

He further observed insightfully, “So the Corinthians should remember that if they all had the gift of tongues, then they would not have a functioning body. Other gifts, though less spectacular and less sensational, are nonetheless necessary.”