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A Relationship of Interdependence, October 7
And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or
one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. Now ye
are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
1
Corinthians 12:26, 27
.
In the Lord’s plan human beings have been made necessary to one
another. To every one God has entrusted talents, to be used in helping
others to walk in the path of right. It is by unselfish service for others that
we improve and increase our talents.
Like the different parts of a machine, all are closely related to one
another, and all dependent upon one great Center. There is to be unity
in diversity. No member of the Lord’s firm can work successfully in
independence. Each is to work under the supervision of God; all are to
use their entrusted capabilities in His service, that each may minister to
the perfection of the whole....
He who claims to be a Christian should examine himself and see if
he is as kind and considerate of his fellow beings as he desires his fellow
beings to be of him.... Christ taught that rank or wealth should make no
difference in our treatment of one another and that in the light of heaven
all are brethren. Earthly possessions or worldly honor do not count in
God’s valuation of man. He created all men equal; He is no respecter of
persons. He values a man according to the virtue of his character.
To possess true godliness means to love one another, to help one
another, to make apparent the religion of Jesus in our lives. We are to be
consecrated channels through which the love of Christ flows to those who
need help.... He who approaches nearest to obedience to the divine law
will be of the most service to God. He who follows Christ, reaching out
after His goodness, His compassion, His love for the human family, will
be accepted by God as a worker together with Him....
When the Lord’s people are filled with meekness and tenderness for
one another, they will realize that His banner over them is love and His
fruit will be sweet to their taste. Heaven will begin on earth. They will
make a heaven below in which to prepare for heaven above.
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