An Amazing "Body"

The body of Christ in motion is a marvel to behold! Linda and I have experienced the love and care of our brothers and sisters beyond our wildest imaginations. Of course we would not have chosen to receive this blessing in this way, but if we have to be "in this way," what a blessing to receive!

Because Linda has limited mobility, her needs are extensive. It has been quite a lesson for one who has served others all her life. It is time for Linda to be served, and we are grateful for your service. The level at which she is being served astounds us! Her needs could be met at a much more basic level, but you have chosen to serve us at the highest level.

Indeed, this family known in Scripture as the body of Christ (Ephesians 4, 1 Corinthians 12) is designed to assist itself. Every part of the body has a role, and one role is as important as any other role. If you do not believe that, PLEASE read 1 Corinthians 12 carefully. Jimmie Johnson (the evangelist, not the football coach) used to say that when we get to heaven at the Judgment Seat of Christ, we will all line up in what we think is order of importance. Preachers and prominent Christian leaders will be up front, while quiet unassuming servants will be in the back. When we are all lined up, Jesus will say, "ABOUT FACE!" (John 11:1-11, especially verse 11; Luke 13:30).

Jimmie Johnson used to also illustrate the way the human body comes to its own rescue. When you are swinging a hammer and you hit the wrong nail (as in fingernail), your right hand does not scold the thumb of the left hand for getting in the way. NO! Your whole body comes to the rescue of the injured part! Your right hand drops the hammer and grabs the thumb. You begin blowing on the thumb. Your legs do a dance, and if you pay attention, you may even catch yourself limping. The whole body gets involved!

We have seen this picture clearly as the body of Christ has moved into action on our behalf. We are injured, but Linda and I have not spent a moment by ourselves, except at night (where we did a great deal of talking in the first week, though we do more sleeping, now). We are not complaining about the company, though. On the contrary, we rejoice at the assistance we have received. In the first place, the elders of our wonderful church, Grace Community Church, have allowed me to spend all the time I need with Linda. That enables us to take advantage of these precious moments God is giving us, and it allows us to minister (through this page, as well as in other ways). For a ten week period, different men in our church - mostly active and inactive elders - are preaching on Sunday morning. I have been given freedom to share on Sundays or participate in any ministry I desire, but I am under no obligation to do anything at church. In other words, I am free to stay by Linda's side. Who has such a privilege? Who deserves such a blessing? Certainly not me; not us!

In addition, family members have spent weeks with us (including our daughter's mother-in-law who flew from Cali, Columbia to be with us). All our brothers and sisters and our parents have served us so well. When one set leaves, another set comes in. When someone is here, someone back home has needs (childcare, meals for husband, etc.) that someone else tends to, and the ripples go on for a long way. You would not believe the number of meals that have been served to us and will continue to be served for some time. The cleaners do their work - anonymously - while we drive to radiation. We know some of our helpers, but we have no idea about others. Someone takes our trash away each week because there is too much trash to wait for the sanitation workers once a week.

Several people have offered to drive Linda the one hour each way to radiation, but for now, I want that job! Significant numbers of people have been involved in sprucing up - both inside and outside - our house (even painting our living room!) in ways that go well beyond that which is necessary. So many others have helped those who have helped us directly. The cards you have written with words of encouragement and words of Scripture, the prayers you have offered, the thoughts of care and compassion, the e-mails from those of you we do not even know - well, I could go on for a long time, but I run the risk of forgetting some act of service that has meant so much to us, and I would not want to do that. Since we can never properly express our gratitude to you individually, please accept our heartfelt THANK YOU!!!!!!

Thank you for being the body of Christ. Thank you for being Jesus to us. For those of you who have been in support roles about which we have no knowledge, a special word of gratitude to you. All of you have been Jesus to us.

So, what is your role in the body of Christ? Some of you have roles that are far from the spotlight. If I discern Scripture correctly, we are told that when you perform our job well (as in Ephesians 4:1), our heavenly reward will equal that of Billy Graham! I think you would agree that little else matters beyond hearing your Savior say, "Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of the Lord." (Mathew 25:21). The body of Christ in motion is an amazing thing to behold! It will not move as well as it could if you do not do your part, even if you think it is a minor part. Rejoice in the place and responsibility the Lord has given you! He made you the way He did for a reason. Serve Him with a grateful heart where you are. If you will, we all benefit. Linda and I know.