More Or Less Honorable

Nay, much more these members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:  And those members of the body, which we think to be less honorable, upon these we bestow more abundant honor, and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.

I Corinthians 12:22-23

In the Body of Christ, who is really important?  If we look at the subject casually, we are going to perhaps come to the conclusion that the high profile members are the most important.  Having said that, we should consider carefully the contributions which other parts of the body make to the good of the whole.  Paul is discussing the relationship that exists between the various parts of the Body of Christ.  He is using the analogy of the human body.  His central point in our text is that the parts of the body which we deem less honorable or less worthy of honor, upon those we bestow greater honor.  Perhaps we consider our hair to be particularly attractive, important or honorable.  We pay attention to it, wash it, comb it, and arrange it.  We may think our feet to be less honorable.  However, the hair is not going anywhere, the feet do not take it.  So, it is in the Body of Christ.  If we understand the relationship of the parts of the Body of Christ correctly, we will appreciate the less honorable parts and the contribution they make to the welfare of the whole.  Thus, Christ receives the glory for the way in which His Body functions.

Our Gracious Master and our God,
we rejoice that You have given us
a role to play in the Body of Christ.
We praise You that wherever we fit within it,
we accomplish the purpose which You intend for us,
that we may bring You glory.

Tomm Tice
Where the Bush is Burning