Grossology is the study of the impolite science of the body. Visit the traveling exhibit, and you'll have opportunity to explore all things crusty, sticky, slimy and stinky about the human body. Considering all the bodily functions that most of us would rather not talk about, some are surprised that Paul uses the body to describe the church.
Check it out at 1 Corinthians 12:12-31.
It appears that Paul has two major concerns to address. First, that the body of Christ is a single unit. Many people look at the church as a collection of individuals with a common interest. But it's not. The Holy Spirit makes us one unit, eliminating any distinction among us. So regardless of how or where we started, we're one body now.
Second, Paul points out that although we're one body, we're not all the same part. God has made, gifted, and apointed each of us to fill different roles in the body, arranging each of us as He sees fit. We can't opt out because we don't like our part. Nor can we reject because we don't like their part. We need each other. So when one of us hurt, we all hurt. And when one of us rejoices, we all rejoice.
That leaves us with a challenge. We must move beyond the tyranny of specialties, to having a greater appreciation for the entire variety of spiritual gifts. We're not all intended to be preachers. We're not all intended to be teachers. We're not all intended to be musicians, or table servers, or any other single ministry. And no ministry is more valuable than any other.
Instead, those God gifted to preach should do so with all their abilities. Those God gifted to serve should do so with all their abilities. And both ought view the other more highly than themselves.
It's true, the human body has some functions that are gross. But not Christ's body. Every part is wonderful. And when the Body of Christ functions as He designed, fantastic things happen. The world is transformed, and God is glorified
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