It’s Not Appearance

“On the contrary, it is much truer that the members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary...” I Cor 12:22

Up to this point, Paul had talked about the conspicuous members of the human body for his illustrations of spiritual ministries: foot, hand, ear, eye, and nose.

To press his analogy, Paul now introduced those members which are not readily observed. In doing so, he set forth 3 major principles.

First Principle -- Importance Is Not Based Upon Appearance.
You listen to the average you person describe what they see in another young person-beautiful blue eyes, long flowing hair, gorgeous white teeth. Girls say, “He’s a hunk, he has big biceps, and a manly appearance, etc. In the church, it’s the same way! “He’s the Pastor, he’s a deacon, he is the biggest giver, etc.”

The point Paul is making is this - As important as some of the prominent members of the human body are, it is possible to live without them. They are important, but not absolutely necessary. You can lose an eye, ear, a hand, or leg, and still live. However, you cannot lose your heart, liver, or brain, and live. Those organs are more hidden than the others, but also are more vital. You can notice the breathing of your lungs and the pulse of your heartbeat, but their work is not nearly as obvious as what we do with our hands or feet. Those less noticed parts, internal organs, seem to be weaker than much of the rest of the body, external limbs, but they are also more necessary. I’ve never heard someone say: “What a liver!...What a strong heart!...What a healthy specimen!”

We judge people by their looks. And so it was in Corinth, they had put a premium on the gifts that seemed to be more showy, noticeable, or flashy.

Paul is saying “No Way!”

The most vital ministries in a church always include some that are not obvious. The faithful prayers and services of a few dedicated saints, who hold no office, frequently are the most reliable and productive channels of spiritual power in a congregation. The Corinthian Church had failed to be considerate and appreciative of those who did not have the “out front” gifts such as prophecy, languages, or healing. Those with less noticeable ministries are sometimes vulnerable to misunderstanding, neglect, and lack of appreciation. They should be protected by fellow believers just as the body protects its vital organs.

Tomorrow we'll look at Paul's second major principle...