“But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another.” (1 Corinthians 12:24-25)
 
The key word is “care”.   The Greek word merimnao is most often used in the negative sense.  It means to be anxious, or to be filled with anxiety, or worry.  
 
We often think of this word in the context Jesus’ personal ministry.  "Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on.” (Matthew 6:25)   Here Jesus exhorts us to not worry.  Instead of anxious care, God wants us to pray and place our burdens on Him.  (Philippians 4:6; I Peter 5:6,7)  Jesus says, "Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? (Matthew 6:30)  In the Parable of the Sower, Jesus warns of how such “cares” can choke out the word and destroy the desired fruit (Luke 8:14) 
 
But, in the verse above we are commanded to have that anxious care for others.  Here, God says don’t be divided, but be totally focused upon the needs and cares of your brother.  If he has occasion to rejoice, don’t envy him, but rejoice with him.  If he suffers, don’t belittle, but cry with him.  The word “care” also carries with it the idea of being torn away or distracted.  The Corinthians were exhorted to get their minds detracted from their selfish ambitions and have diligent concern for one another.
 
 Corinth was not the only place where such an attitude is needed.  Local churches, communities, even the world needs people with this trait.  Such folks are hard to find.  The few that have such devotion are precious indeed!  “For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state. For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus”. (Philippians 2:20-21)
 
By George Slover


 

But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. (Philippians 1:12-14)

Most of us know that when Paul wrote his letter to Philippi, he was a prisoner in Rome.  The recent misfortunes of those close to me have caused me to reflect on the hardships of Paul.  Paul’s remarkable attitude and wonderful optimism is impressive.  He is not really a prisoner, but free.  How is that possible?

First, he does not allow circumstances to rule his life.  His life is subject to God, not men.  Paul had prayed for opportunities to come to Rome.  
(Romans 15:30-32)  Though it seems a strange way to answer his prayer, as a prisoner Paul had arrived in Rome.  For this Paul was grateful no matter what the circumstances.  He never allowed occasions or surroundings to rule his life.  Only God rules, only his fellowship really counts.  What a great attitude!

Second, that which seems evil presents him with opportunities for good.  We all have a plan about how life should turn out.  Some have the fortune of making dreams and fulfilling those dreams.  However, many are not afforded such an opportunity.  Sudden tragedy turns their world upside down.  For Paul, imprisonment gave opportunity to preach to the Praetorian Guard. These soldiers were drawn to this suffering servant and his remarkable faith.  For two whole years he preached the kingdom of God.  We should never think that we could serve God better, if circumstances were better than they are.

Third, his example of courage inspired others to boldness in proclaiming the gospel.  Tragedies, if handled properly, can embolden others who find themselves in a similar dilemma.  An example is better than a command.  The sight of a suffering saint, patient, contented, happy, does more to encourage the brethren than a hundred sermons!  Such is visible proof of the power of Christ!

Unfortunately, I find myself enslaved to the circumstances of life.  If I could just learn to bask in God’s sweet fellowship, seek opportunities for good in the midst of evil, then like Paul, I will no longer be enslaved, but free in Christ!

By George Slover


 

But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. (Philippians 1:12-14)

Most of us know that when Paul wrote his letter to Philippi, he was a prisoner in Rome.  The recent misfortunes of those close to me have caused me to reflect on the hardships of Paul.  Paul’s remarkable attitude and wonderful optimism is impressive.  He is not really a prisoner, but free.  How is that possible?

First, he does not allow circumstances to rule his life.  His life is subject to God, not men.  Paul had prayed for opportunities to come to Rome.  
(Romans 15:30-32)  Though it seems a strange way to answer his prayer, as a prisoner Paul had arrived in Rome.  For this Paul was grateful no matter what the circumstances.  He never allowed occasions or surroundings to rule his life.  Only God rules, only his fellowship really counts.  What a great attitude!

Second, that which seems evil presents him with opportunities for good.  We all have a plan about how life should turn out.  Some have the fortune of making dreams and fulfilling those dreams.  However, many are not afforded such an opportunity.  Sudden tragedy turns their world upside down.  For Paul, imprisonment gave opportunity to preach to the Praetorian Guard. These soldiers were drawn to this suffering servant and his remarkable faith.  For two whole years he preached the kingdom of God.  We should never think that we could serve God better, if circumstances were better than they are.

Third, his example of courage inspired others to boldness in proclaiming the gospel.  Tragedies, if handled properly, can embolden others who find themselves in a similar dilemma.  An example is better than a command.  The sight of a suffering saint, patient, contented, happy, does more to encourage the brethren than a hundred sermons!  Such is visible proof of the power of Christ!

Unfortunately, I find myself enslaved to the circumstances of life.  If I could just learn to bask in God’s sweet fellowship, seek opportunities for good in the midst of evil, then like Paul, I will no longer be enslaved, but free in Christ!

By George Slover


 

"Then King David went in and sat before the LORD; and he said: "Who am I, O Lord GOD? And what is my house, that You have brought me this far? "And yet this was a small thing in Your sight, O Lord GOD; and You have also spoken of Your servant's house for a great while to come. Is this the manner of man, O Lord GOD? "Now what more can David say to You? For You, Lord GOD, know Your servant. (2 Samuel 7:18-20)

This is one of my favorite scenes in all of Scripture.  David wanted to build a temple for God.  (vs.5)  Though it was a noble ambition, God’s answer was “no”.  However, God, through the prophet Nathan, revealed great plans for the family of David.  These blessings would come to David’s house long after he was dead.

God promises to 1) establish David’s throne, and 2) build a house in His name.  These promises would be fulfilled in Jesus Christ many years later.  When Nathan was finished, David sat before the Lord and offered mediation to God!  The words of David express both thanksgiving and humble submission.

David’s words are full of wonder at the greatness of God’s mercy toward him.  David is grateful for God’s providence in the past - “what is my house, that You have brought me this far?”  He is thankful for God’s promise of the future- You have also spoken of Your servant's house for a great while to come.  The more David pondered theses things, the more he was thankful.

Included with thanksgiving is David’s attitude of submission.  Though he would not build the temple, David graciously accepted his role in God’s plan.  Though David did not fully realize the magnitude of God’s promises, his response was: Now what more can David say to You? For You, Lord GOD, know Your servant.  “You have a purpose and a reason, and I will gladly accept your purpose for me”.

We too should be grateful to God for all of his benefits toward us. 
(Psalms 116:12)  He has greatly provided for us – not just food and shelter, but his wisdom, his peace, fellowship with his people, success in our labors, and the hope of eternal life.

Therefore, we should graciously submit to God’s will.  Who are we?  We were frail, hell bound sinners.  We are imperfect disciples.  We have been redeemed by the grace of God!  “How great you are, Oh Sovereign Lord!”

By George Slover

 

You shall not hate your brother in your heart. You shall surely rebuke your neighbor, and not bear sin because of him. 'You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the LORD. (Leviticus 19:17-18)

We are very familiar with the Bible phrase: “love you neighbor as yourself”.  It is repeated many times in Old and New Testaments.  It is called the “royal law” (James 2:8), and the fulfillment of the law. (Galatians 5:14)  But, consider its setting in the above text.

First, there are times when love involves correction.  In fact there are times when a failure to correct may be a failure to love.  You shall surely rebuke your neighbor, and not bear sin because of him.  By withholding such rebuke I may become a partaker with my neighbor in sin.  Instead of nursing resentment, I must try to win my brother back to the path of truth.  (Galatians 6:1)  Such correction is a manifestation of love.  (Galatians 6:1,2; James 5:19,20)

Second, there are times when forbearance is needed.  When my correction is motivated by jealousy, malice, or revenge, it becomes unloving as well.  These may be signs of hatred in my heart.  Thus, with correction I must check my motives lest I incite bitterness.  I must be careful to correct the wrong and not some peculiar personality trait that “gets under my skin”.  Patience must be exercised to allow the one being restored to sort through his thoughts and make the necessary changes.

If I will remember the love and patience God has for me, I will rise to the noble height where love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 
(1 Corinthians 13:4-7)

By George Slover