On the contrary, it is much truer that the members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary; and those members of the body which we deem less honorable, on these we bestow more abundant honor, and our less presentable members become much more presentable, whereas our more presentable members have no need of it. But God has so composed the body, giving more abundant honor to that member which lacked, so that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. 1 Corinthians 12:22-26
Pastor Tony Campolo wrote a great little book with the title: Who Switched The Price Tags? In it, he addressed the very different values in the church as opposed to the world we live in. This scripture reveals another example.
In the world and within the church, we tend to judge people. We judge their value according to how they look, perform a function, or benefit us. Paul says we should be contrary to the world in this regard. People we think are weaker, un-presentable and unnecessary, we are to prefer. Hmmm?! Why would we do that? The answer is that it builds unity and remind me that I am to relate with others dynamically empowered and dependent upon the Spirit of God gifting me and others. Wow! That’s not how its done very often in worldly settings. Someone switched the price tags. In all of this, God is saying every person is intrinsically valuable, no matter how we perceive their value!
There are two related Spanish phrases I use in haggling in the marketplace to get a good deal. I start by saying “Cuanto cuesto?” What’s it cost? After awhile, I ask a more profound question: “Cual es el valor?” What’s it’s worth? God says, the worth of every person is beyond measure. I know this because Jesus paid for us with His precious blood.
How do I view people in the church? Is every person precious in my estimation?
God, what a beautiful reminder that I am valued by You. Please help me always see the value of every precious person in the body of Christ- the church. As this day begins, I pray You will manage the big issues in the lives of my friends, finances, illness, stress, and the need for breakthroughs. May we be a unified church called Crossroads!
P.s. to readers: Somehow I missed commenting on this scripture a day or two ago. Oh, I pray I could confidently say this… even as the apostle Paul did: “Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 11:1 Lord Jesus, help me to that end.
