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1 Corinthians 12:26
If one
part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one
part is honored, every part rejoices with it.
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August 6
Suffering & Honor
If a church member loses a
loved one the church usually does well to rally
around that person. We grieve together
because we are a church family and another's
loss is our loss.
We don't do nearly as well
when it comes to the loss of a spiritual gift
however. Many times people have threatened
to "take their ball and go home." This
comes in the form of withholding offering or by
leaving the church. Neither of these
honors God.
There are circumstances when
it is appropriate to leave a church - when you
don't have an opportunity to use your gifts as
an example - but it should never be used as a
threat to get your way.
It is sad to see people who
are just sitting in the pews every week and
never doing anything. You'll hear a
million different excuses from time, age,
resources etc. but it still comes down to the
fact that these people are not using the gifts
God has given them. And the whole church
suffers because of it.
On the flip side, it should bring us great joy when we see others
using their gifts. We should take time to
recognize those who serve as well. It not
only encourages those who are serving but may
spur others to action as well. |
