Support Systems

As kids many of us sang an action song with the words, “the head bone connected to the neck bone, the neck bone connected to the shoulder bone” and on and on down the bones to the toes.  With each bone named kids would touch that area.  It was lots of fun. 

Our bodies are a wonderful metaphor of the connection and support God wants us to have in community.  We all need a support system, and to be part of a group that supports one another.

But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be?  As it is, there are many parts, but one body. 

1 Corinthians 12:18-20

Each body part has a specific function.  An eye sees and a hand holds.  An ear can’t smell, and a nose can’t hear.  We each need the work of each other, so that together we make a functioning whole.  Our little toe is not a big part of the body but stub the little toe and the whole body adjusts to cover for the pain it is feeling. 

We cannot see the enzyme called magnesium but if we don’t have enough of it in our bodies many things suddenly don’t work the way they should.  Every part has value, not just on its own but in relation to other parts.

There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.

1 Corinthians 12:4-6

We all have different personalities and family backgrounds.  Our input is required as much as the next person’s input.  Each person has different skills to offer and so it is only together that we can support one another and provide for a particular need.  .

None of it works well without “the head”, and that is why we need the Word of God and the grace of God.  We need to stand on the truth of God’s Word that supports us and to filter out every other sound or thought that tears us down.

Heavenly Father, We are so grateful that in Your wisdom You made us to be part of support systems.  Thank you for clear examples, like our bodies, that show how valuable each part is and the unique part each part plays.

We want to know You more and always stay connected to You so we can be an effective link to help others in my community.  Amen

Let’s receive from our support systems with humility and gratitude and be willing to do our part as others need the same support from us.