God lives and works today.
We can see proof of his reality, especially
when we look at the body of Christ.
It is made up of such different kinds
of people, and yet, like the members of
a physical body, they are all joined together
and united in love.
However, what if this isn't the case?
What if there are grievous tensions among the
believers and within the congregations?
Listen to the following meditation by Basilia Schlink
called, I Don't Need You.
In the 12th chapter of 1 Corinthians, the
Apostle Paul writes about the unity of the
body of Christ.
He paints a wonderful picture for us, describing
how Jesus is the head of the body,
and we are the different members.
In a world so filled with hatred and
opposition, isn't it tremendous that there can be
unity, such as Paul describes?
What characterizes this miraculous work of God, through
which we can become one body in Christ?
The answer is in 1 Corinthians 12, 21.
Paul explains that no part of the body
can say to the other part, I don't
need you.
How does this apply to our lives?
Do we say or think about someone else
at home, at work, or in our congregation,
I don't need you?
I'm really happier when you're not around.
It's uncomfortable for me when you come to
work.
Furthermore, it's humiliating to meet you because once
you told me the truth and hurt my
feelings, or you did such and such to
me.
Whoever tolerates such thoughts and touchiness in his
heart is hindering, yes, destroying the miraculous unity
of the body of Christ.
When one person says or thinks about another,
I don't need you, he is demonstrating how
highly he thinks of himself.
The secret and beauty of a body is
that each member supplements the others, and they
have all grown and developed together.
It is the Holy Spirit who has created
the body of Christ.
Why don't we trust Him to be able
to unite us with those who are hard
for us to get along with?
Let us ask Him, O Holy Ghost, I
believe you, that you will give me love,
love that reaches out to others, and can
honestly say to the person who is difficult,
I do need you.
You are the person whom I want to
meet often.
Yes, the Holy Spirit can accomplish this when
we ask Him for this love.
Dear Lord, let me become like you, bring
love in me to birth, spending my love
upon others, the love that makes heaven on
earth.
Love that would be self-denying, that seeks
no hide or claim, giving or clinging to
nothing, less than by all brings Him shame.
You've been listening to a program written by
Basilia Schlink of the Little Land of Canaan.
If this program has been a help to
you, we would be happy to send you
a free leaflet by the same author.
Please write to God Lives and Works Today,
9849 North 40th Street, Phoenix, Arizona, 85028-4099.
That's God Lives and Works Today, 9849 North
40th Street, Phoenix, Arizona, 85028-4099.
God bless you.