1 Corinthians 12:26 If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.

I think the biggest issue for most American Christians, at any rate, is recognizing that they are part of other believers, and vice versa. Some other cultures are far more group oriented, so this chapter seems to almost go without saying, but America has always been very individualistic. That’s good for liberty, which is one of the bedrocks of the nation, and indeed, we are individually accountable to God, but it’s not without its risks. Far too many sincere believers are focused on I-my-me-mine, and can hardly see anyone or anything outside of their immediate circle. Paul is trying to combat that sort of myopia, using graphic, personal language. If we will lift our eyes off of ourselves to fix them on Christ, we will discover that we can see the people around us as well, perhaps better than we ever have before, because we will start to see them with the eyes of Christ.

I laughed when I saw today’s reading, because I’m in the middle of rather intense training in this area. Yesterday on my way home from taking pictures in the snow I slipped as I was crossing the icy street not 50 meters from our front door, reached back to catch myself, and snapped my left wrist. Since my wife cannot currently drive, I drove myself to the doctor and back, to their amazement, and now have an appointment in a couple of hours at the National Medical Center close to here to be evaluated for probable surgery. My wrist is a small part of my body, and it’s not on my dominant hand, but it’s certainly demanding my full attention! I need to receive this as a lesson in how important all parts of the Body of Christ are, and treat them accordingly. In all of this I am thankful that the first words out of my mouth after I fell were “Thank You, Lord.” I’m a little surprised I’m that spiritually healthy!

Father, I do thank You for this experience, painful though it is. It gives me more empathy with Cathy’s pains! I do pray that the right decisions will be made this morning, and that there will be full cooperation with Your healing for me. I pray also that this will strengthen this church, as others will have to step in to do various things I am currently unable to do. I’ve not been very good at releasing things to others, and now You’re forcing me to. Thank You. Praise God!