The human body is an amazing and wonderful creation of God. The body’s systems and its members work together to ensure a fully functioning body; each is interdependent on the other. More importantly, the body of Christ (the church) is a truly amazing and wonderful blessing from God. The church consists of many members, working together for a fully functioning body. Because of this interdependency or reliance on one another, no part is too small or less important than the others.
As members of the Lord’s body, our functions are likely to be different from one another, otherwise, where would the body be (Rom. 12:4-5, I Cor. 12:12-26)? Some may believe they can function alone without their brethren while others may believe they have no role or purpose in the church. To the contrary, those of the body who seem weaker are necessary, and those who we think less honorable we bestow greater honor. Ephesians 4:16 states, “from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for edifying itself in love” (Ephesians 4:11-16).
All members of the body of Christ are important and vital to the health and growth of the congregation. Everyone has something to offer, and no part is too great or too small. While there are more visible functions, the less visible functions are just as important. You may not be a teacher, preacher, deacon, or elder, but it may be that you visit, make calls, send cards of encouragement, prepare food for others, care for the building, take someone to the doctor, bring someone to services each week, or welcome our visitors. These are all important, very necessary, and vital for the Karns congregation to be fully functioning and growing. We will not be the body God intends unless we are functioning as a whole.
Live your life for Christ and be a working part of the body. The Karns shepherds love you and believe you have something to contribute.
For the elders, Terry Clark