lovely
Member
Christ's body is such an amazing gift from God. I was watching a video last night with my family, part of the Ray Vanderlaan series "Follow the Rabbi", and Ray was talking about how we are part of a community of believers that stretches not only across nations but over time as well. It's hard to imagine having such an intimate relationship with people I have never even met (yet), but who have laid a foundation of love and unity in Christ for me to build upon, who have given their lives, their gifts, so that I could hear the Gospel, and who will also come after me to ultimately bring the body to maturity. He really stressed that the body is suffering as a whole, because part has/is suffering. These days many are suffering right next door. Along with this idea of suffering as a whole, he encouraged those listening to grow in love for one another, to pray, and to serve with all our efforts to continue the Gospel for others as those who went before us did. I had to ask myself, do I suffer with my brothers and sisters? Do I share in their grief and sorrow? Do I love pray enough for others? Do I intercede for them without being lazy? Do I truly love parts of the body that are hard for me to love? Do I serve them without prejudice? Do I honor the Lord's body as I should? Do I value others as Christ values them?
I have really been trying to learn more about the body lately, all the parts, and how I can please Christ in the way I relate to them and think about them....us? It is so hard to not feel separate. I am thankful that God is showing me these things, and the video was timely, because I have walked in such an independant fashion for so long...as if my walk in Christ only affected me, or my family and church, but it extend so much further. I have a multi-denominational background, and have come across people that I found very difficult to love, and who made a really bad impression on me, or hurt me, but how much of that was me being difficult, unloving, and leaving a really bad impression???? Christ died for me while I was yet a sinner, and loves me even though I am not worthy of His name, and yet I have been quick to judge over the years, and holding others up to a standard that I can't meet myself.
I praise God that He is showing me things about His body, but I hate when I come face to face with my own foolish behavior and short-sided views. Sigh. I have repented of things in this area, but I think there will be more repenting as I continue gleaning God's Word in this area. I just wanted to share some thoughts on what I was learning, or hoping to learn, lately. The Lord bless all of you.
I have really been trying to learn more about the body lately, all the parts, and how I can please Christ in the way I relate to them and think about them....us? It is so hard to not feel separate. I am thankful that God is showing me these things, and the video was timely, because I have walked in such an independant fashion for so long...as if my walk in Christ only affected me, or my family and church, but it extend so much further. I have a multi-denominational background, and have come across people that I found very difficult to love, and who made a really bad impression on me, or hurt me, but how much of that was me being difficult, unloving, and leaving a really bad impression???? Christ died for me while I was yet a sinner, and loves me even though I am not worthy of His name, and yet I have been quick to judge over the years, and holding others up to a standard that I can't meet myself.
I praise God that He is showing me things about His body, but I hate when I come face to face with my own foolish behavior and short-sided views. Sigh. I have repented of things in this area, but I think there will be more repenting as I continue gleaning God's Word in this area. I just wanted to share some thoughts on what I was learning, or hoping to learn, lately. The Lord bless all of you.
