For as
in one body we have many members, and not all the members have the same function, so we,
who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another.
Four years ago I visited some friends and their newborn baby in the
hospital. The baby was only 12 hours old when I met her. Then, in 2001, I became an aunt
for the first time.
Babies are so amazing. Each is a small package of all the organs,
systems, and instructions necessary for life. Each system has special functions and
contributes to the survival and good of the human body.
The verses from Romans quoted above tell us of an even larger body, one
with many members and many different functions. I don’t think we often view our
Christian brothers and sisters in quite this way. Do we consider them essential for our
existence? Do we perform our mission for the good of all, or just for ourselves? Do we
appreciate the individual gifts each person brings? This is really difficult to do. We may
want different gifts than those we have received from the Holy Spirit. We must be reminded
that we have received exactly the right gifts.
September 11, 2001, is a day none of us will forget. Now we find it
difficult to see some of our fellow citizens as essential members of the American body.
Some may look different or follow a different religion. We may do a pretty good job of
accepting our Christian brothers and sisters, but how well do we accept those who are of
other faiths?
All people are children of God. We may not understand the relationships
others have with God, but we can accept them as fellow citizens and let God worry about
the nature of those relationships.
Let us look at the world differently in 2002. Let love, compassion, and
concern for all people be on our list of resolutions. May the spirit of Christ dwell among
us.
Jesus, Lord and Savior, please guide us and help us use the gifts
you have given us for the glory of God and the care of one another. Help us to remember
all your people as brothers and sisters. Unite our country and help us promote peace
throughout the world. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Marsha Meili
