Together in Christ: 'Interconnected and Interdependent!' — 1 Corinthians 12:22-26

Sunday, June 30, 2024

In fact, some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary. And the parts we regard as less honorable are those we clothe with the greatest care. So we carefully protect those parts that should not be seen, while the more honorable parts do not require this special care. So God has put the body together such that extra honor and care are given to those parts that have less dignity. This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other. If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad.
— 1 Corinthians 12:22-26 NLT

Key Thought

I remember a demonstration in the system's theory segment of my graduate family counseling course. The professor took five students and had them stand in a circle. Then, he tied the right hands of all of them together with yarn. While they had little room to move around, they soon learned they were connected to each other and all others. His point was clear: In a family, if something happens to one member, their problems, pains, movements, withdrawal, and disruptions impact everyone with whom they're connected!

This vital interconnectedness and interdependence were Paul's emphasis to the Corinthians in today's verses. No matter who you think is important or who you think is insignificant, you are connected to everyone else in the body of Christ. If someone needs care, you give it, or the group suffers. If someone is pulling away, you pull them back into the relationship. You don't evaluate who is seemingly important and who is not before you act to help the person in distress, because everyone is connected to you personally.

Paul even went on to say that those who are weakest, have the greatest needs, or seem less vital are "the most necessary," so we focus on them and lavish the most attention on them. So, don't elevate someone in the body of Christ because of their spiritual gift, and don't denigrate someone else because of their gift. As Paul said it:

In fact, some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary. And the parts we regard as less honorable are those we clothe with the greatest care.

Today's Prayer

Father, forgive us for valuing people based on appearances, social status, or spiritual gifts. I know You choose which gifts we each have and that we have those gifts to bless others and not exalt ourselves. [A] We pledge to recognize each of our brothers and sisters as someone for whom Christ died [B] and whom You created in Your image [C] and carefully put together in their mother's womb. [D] Please teach us, Lord, to value and esteem others as You do! In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

[A] Romans 12:3; 1 Corinthians 4:7.
[B] Romans 14:15; 1 Corinthians 8:11.
[C] Genesis 1:26-27.
[D] Psalm 139:13-16.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Romans 12:1-13
  • Genesis 1:26-27; Psalm 139:13-16

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Illustration

Illustration of 1 Corinthians 12:22-26 NLT — In fact, some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary. And the parts we regard as less honorable are those we clothe with the greatest care. So we carefully protect those parts that should not be seen, while the more honorable parts do not require this special care. So God has put the body together such that extra honor and care are given to those parts that have less dignity. This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other. If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad.

About This Devotional

Together in Christ is a daily devotional that focuses on what Scripture teaches about godly living in relationships.

'Together in Christ' is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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