I like this picture because it shows how we should function with each other within the church. As we all use our spiritual gifts to build up the body, we need to depend upon each other. This can be difficult for us in our ultra-independent society. However, we must remember that the bible is not a Western book, and our God is not a Western God.The bible's description of the church is full of "one anothers" and "each others" because God's intent is for the people of the church to be interdependent - all upon one another.
As we are interdependent within the body, we must also be totally dependent: upon the Holy Spirit. In fact, the above picture could be improved if the word "Holy Spirit" was placed in the middle. That would show that those who depend upon one another ultimately depend on the power of the Holy Spirit in order to function how God wants us to as His church.
How can we do this? How can we be dependently interdependent? I think the key is to put our pride to the side and be willing to be served by others and learn from others. As we do this, we will be built up and others will enjoy serving. At the same time, we should serve and teach one another. It "cuts both ways."
One of the reasons the traditional church of the West simply does not work is that we are too independent. We do not rely enough on the Holy Spirit or on our brothers and sisters. Let us strive to be dependent people.
4 comments:
Eric,
What can I say? So spot on.
Let the leadership set the example by losing the idea they are the only one who can "have a word to share", and that the development of the Body depends on them!.
John,
Thank you. The more I read the bible, the more I see all leaders acting as servants. Pastors need to get out of the way so the church can see Christ.
I like the picture, too.
It reminds me of a story from the Judaic tradition.
A man was shown two groups of people, both groups were handicapped in that they could not bend their elbows and their arms were always straight.
One group was 'in hell': they were all seated at a large banquet table but could not eat because they could not bring the food to their own mouths.
The second group was 'in heaven': same scene, a banquet table.
Except, here there was one difference. The people were able to eat: they were feeding one another.
Christiane,
Nice!
Post a Comment