Insightful Musings on theScriptures

by

Raymond P. Sparre
Northwest University class of '67

Greetings, dear ones.

I ran out of time this morning to do a jog—nevertheless, following our Pheasant Pointe Gospel Sing we’ll be running to another eating meeting. I guess it’s just a continuation of the food binge we seem to be on this weekend.

Have a blessed rest.

Love, Dad/Ray.

I think it is very important and significant that Paul gives focus to the centrality of Christ at the outset of his expounding on spiritual gifts—a topic that has given rise to all kinds of controversy within the Body of Christ. I am also inclined to believe that giving such balanced attention to Christ would go a long way toward minimizing the debate and help to achieve healthy balance. I’ve beheld too many cases of what I have to judge as imbalance—where spiritual gifts are more the focus than is Jesus and His Lordship.

Without doing a lot of expounding, I think I will simply attempt to paraphrase this verse in my own words and thoughts: “Whereas we speak by much more than just words (i.e., “Actions speak louder than words.”), anyone who says with words, or even implies by lifestyle or attitude, that Jesus is just a man or that He’s not really very important, is way off course in relation to the truth of God. And anyone who says with words that Jesus is their Lord, and supports that claim with their lifestyle and attitudes, they are actually demonstrating the power and authenticity of the Holy Spirit—which is the Spirit of Christ. That person’s life, in various ways and degrees, actually becomes an example of Christ ministering through His people to His people.”

In keeping with Paul’s illustration, I acknowledge that I am not the Body of Christ. But I am a part. And even this little composition can be a medium for functioning in The Body as a part—a very tiny part—kind of like one little teensy weensy blood cell.