Whenever a battle is fought, it usually ends with either a victory dance or a white flag of surrender. On Monday of this week, I raised the white flag.

The first of many skirmishes that would inflict pain on my body began in the summer of 1965. I was playing third base and fielded a ground ball with my nose. The result was a broken nose and the start of what became a rather bad habit—I have broken my nose several times.

As a result of these injuries, breathing through my nose was difficult, and I could not sleep on my right side; so, I decided to undergo a minor procedure that would correct the problem.

My surgery has reminded of the truth of what Paul said to the church at Corinth: if one member of the body suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.

While I have experienced some discomfort from my surgery, I have not had any real pain. I have, however, become keenly aware of just how much influence a small member of the body can have on the rest of the body.

The same is true for a church as a whole: We are many members, but we are still just one body. If one part of the body suffers, the rest of the body will eventually feel the pain.

As Paul said in Romans 12, we need to: Detest evil; cling to what is good. Show family affection to one another with brotherly love. Outdo one another in showing honor. Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer. 13 Share with the saints in their needs; pursue hospitality. Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep.

If we have a member of our body suffering, we need to try to help alleviate their pain, and if a part of our body is honored, we need to join in the celebration.
Think About It!

Stan