The Devotional – 1059 – Foot steps in First Corinthians, ongoing

The Devotional – 1059 – Foot steps in First Corinthians, ongoing

When someone joins a club or an association, they become identified with those societies by taking on characteristics that separate them from others that may have the same goals yet seek different ways or methods to accomplish the same purpose. For example: a club can be formed to do mountain climbing, but another of the same type will differ in management. There are varieties of associations, these may have similar management structure but have different goals. So we get the picture that while there are similarities there are differences that are easily identified, yet all work toward the goal.

CHALLENGES & COMMENTS – 1 Corinthians 12:12-31

There is a difference of major significance of those who are identified as being in Christ and those who are identified with being in the world, but few would argue that the common goal is good over evil. Friday we looked at just two of the phrases “In Christ” in the first chapter of Ephesians. We found in the first three verses those words and then through verse fourteen we found numerous binding Spiritual absolutes related to being “in Him”, all of which have the same biding goal; to be IN CHRIST.

If the LORD wills, when we finish First Corinthians we will come back to the epistle of Ephesians for a better look, but for now we must return to Corinthians otherwise we might miss the blessing of “unity” that the LORD God expects in His house of meeting where we ought to “taught to behave” like those who are members of the body of Christ, that is those who are “In Christ”!

Another comment on verses 1 -11 – While there are diversities of the spiritual gifts belonging the local church; it is the same Spirit of God who is responsible for the utilization of those gifts. While it may be the desire of someone’s human spirit to help or counsel another, if God the Holy Spirit has not directed that gift to them, than all of the help or counsel will be nothing more than human works that may do more harm than good.

Unity with diversity is not easy for any of us since in the very simplest thought of the matter is that we feel that we can do something better than the one involved. We hear the words often; “Here let me have a crack at it!” or “Give it to me, I can do it”. Only to find we have to give it back to the original person, who may do differently and yet do it by the guidance of the Holy Spirit. So the real manifestation of the Spirit of God is for the profit of all, not just the one who thinks they have the right to take over.

The Body of Christ (the church) is NOT one member but many, this is something we KNOW, but it is not something we are practical about. Someone needs transportation, and the FOOT agrees but often the FOOT says, “Don’t ask me” since I would rather be the HAND and I desire to pray for your transportation needs. I do not want to labor over this, so in moving on. As a human, when all of the members of our body functions as they ought we are said to be healthy, vibrant and attractive. 

In Christendom today one serious look at the “body of Christ and those who claim to be in Christ” will reveal that the body of Christ is weak and unhealthy and unattractive. Sadly, we as a nation founded on the attributes of Christ are leaving our First love and becoming apostate, we are guilty of leaving the church, the gifts of the Spirit, the ministries Christ and the administrations of God. 

These have always been the foundation of life liberty and the pursuit of happiness this United States of America. But we are failing. Somewhere in the seven churches of Revelation 2 and 3 if you care to look; you will find the local church that you attend today. Sadly, even the faithful church “Philadelphia” is struggling to HOLD FAST to what it has, “behold” Jesus says, that no one may take your crown, so I come FAST.