1 Corinthians 12:12-14, 24-27
For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit. For the body does not consist of one member but of many;
…..But God has so composed the body,…………….., that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. 1 Corinthians 12:12-14, 24-27 (ESV)
I expect a majority of kids have been in school for 2 weeks. Maybe you had a child enter kindergarten, start middle school or high school. Or your teenager moved away to college, or entered military service. Maybe you’re experiencing your stage of life turning from summer to autumn. As Bob Dylan sang, “The Times They Are A Changin’.”
What were you “feeling” dropping off your kindergartener for the first time and watching them walk toward the front entrance? Or wondering how your child would navigate middle or high school? What about the unease that comes with wondering how your teenager will handle the independence of college and being away from home, or the concern for the danger they may face as they enter military service? For those of us navigating the transition from the summer of our lives to autumn, what challenges are we experiencing with that reality?
While Paul is referring to The Church, wouldn’t it be like heaven on earth if “Our World” were as he states in verses 20 & 25? “As it is, there are many parts, yet one body…………………..But God has so composed the body,…….., that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another.”
Unfortunately, our world has divisions in the body, and the members do not necessarily have the same care for one another. That’s maybe why some of our unease and anxiety come to the front of our thoughts with these life events. I hope this message from BIBLE Study for You and these Bible verses provide some assistance in navigating the challenges of Our World, and assist you in guiding your child/children.
Having Faith During Uncertainty
Uncertainty is a part of life that can challenge our faith. We all face situations where we feel a lack of control, yet God’s Word calls us to have faith amid these uncertainties. Rather than allowing worry or fear to dominate our hearts and minds, we can stand firm in the assurance that God is always with us. He invites us to trust Him completely, even in the unknowns, and assures us that He has our best interests in mind.
Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV)
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
Philippians 4:6 (NIV)
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
Question for Reflection:
- When encountering challenges and uncertainty in life, do you rely upon your own strength, or do you pray for guidance, including a request for prayers on Southwood’s website?
Prayer:
Father God, we understand You composed the body, that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. We realize we fall short of having the same care for one another. I pray that we can dedicate ourselves to having the same care for one another, that will enable us to fulfill Your plan that there may be no division in the body.
In Your name I pray. Amen.
Login To Leave Comment