The Church of God should not be a divided entity, provided that Christian principles are in place. In his epistle to the Corinthians, Paul likened the Church to an organism with the potential for success through unity. He likens its functions to a healthy human body, promoting cooperation over division. The supportive relationships within it are spiritually interconnected. In such a body, no single member can claim to be indispensable or dispensable, as success is achieved through the collaborative efforts of all.
When each part fulfils its role effectively, the goals of the organism are readily accomplished. This analogy also describes the work of the Holy Spirit, operating without the need for oversight. The members of the Church of God naturally react to the divine energy infused within them to carry out the gospel’s mission. The question of how to obtain this empowering Spirit to achieve the Church’s goals is answered by Jesus, the initiator of its mission. It’s unnecessary to adopt the organizational structures of the secular realm.
The most crucial organization throughout history is a functioning Church, representing the body of Christ. Without the Holy Spirit, people tend to believe that no progress can be made in modern times since Jesus is no longer physically present. True Christians exist but may become disoriented due to a lack of organization. Jesus introduced the gospel of the Kingdom of God into a highly resistant Jewish society. After His departure, His disciples were expected to implement His teachings with the aid of the Holy Spirit.
Paul devoted an entire chapter in the first book of Corinthians to the organizational structure of the Church. He outlined an organizational flow that, when followed, ensures the achievement of the Church’s goals. This structure differs from a typical organizational chart, whose occupants are filled based on educational qualifications, as the roles within the Church are spiritually appointed. Paul illustrates the challenges a fragmented organization faces in meeting its goals by comparing it to the functioning of the human body. With the Holy Spirit, there is no need to overextend resources, as it operates without constraints.
“But now indeed there are many members, yet one body. And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary. And those members of the body which we think to be less honourable, on these we bestow greater honour; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty, but our presentable parts have no need. But God composed the body, having given greater honour 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.
And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honoured, all the members rejoice with it.“Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healing, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way” (1 Corinthians 12:20-31 NKJV).
Paul’s discourse continues into the following chapter, illustrating the unifying element that enables the application of Chapter 12’s content. He discusses how love is the crucial tonic that ensures the flow of spiritual gifts among members. The spiritual gifts mentioned in Chapter 12 become irrelevant without love, which embodies purity and precludes envy. A deficiency of love leads one to consider themselves more significant than others. Paul concludes his discourse by highlighting, “And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love” (1 Corinthians 13:13).
A lack of love leads one to deem themselves as more or less important than others. It is this absence of love that attempts to discredit another’s work. Furthermore, a shortage of love prompts one to insist that all must be done according to their perspective, disregarding the contributions of others. Misjudging human capabilities stems from a lack of love, which results from excluding Jesus from the Church’s functions. Jesus is the one who promised a facilitator for a healthy Church organization, contingent upon adhering to His teachings as the standard.
“On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified. Therefore many from the crowd, when they heard this saying, said, ‘Truly this is the Prophet’” (John 7:37-40 NKJV).
The resistance Jesus faced during His ministry stemmed from interactions with those devoid of the Holy Spirit. Among them were individuals intent on ending His life, displaying behaviours characteristic of a sinful nature. In such situations, how can members of God’s Church be irritated when confronted with apparent opposition? The simplest approach to making decisions on goodness involves considering the greatest benefit for the majority.
While possessing talents in specific areas, love empowers one to make way for another who may surpass them. One would then cultivate methods to support the excelling individual, thereby fostering the greater good. This is in stark contrast to wishing for their downfall to preserve one’s own status in any role. In a thriving church, personal traits and customs take a backseat. The foremost concern is the collective well-being, with Christ being honoured above any individual.
In secular organizations, personalities often receive more adulation than Jesus. This stems from a lack of understanding that the Church is the body of Christ, and to invalidate one member is to invalidate Christ. The focus should not be on who is doing the work but on what effectively furthers God’s work at any given time. Any endeavour that yields results deserves full support, regardless of the background of the person promoting it.
The Spirit of God is not measured by academic qualifications. Human limitations are perpetuated by sinful nature, with jealousy being a primary factor. The Jews prioritized, “How did this man get such learning without having studied?” (John 7:15), over the truth Jesus presented. Their question was driven by the desire to maintain their status among their peers.
Many people stop doing what is right due to a lack of support from their peers. Although it’s easy to fault those who fail to offer support, the person who becomes discouraged is also at fault. A true believer should not be deterred by any obstacle when committed to doing what is right. The act of doing good is driven by a spiritual force that no physical hindrance can stop. That is why Jesus advocated for a form of giving that is anonymous and not influenced by anyone.
“Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise, you have no reward from your Father in heaven. Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret, and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly” (Matthew 6:1-4 NKJV).
Peter stated that love covers a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8). Using others as an excuse for not doing what is right is invalid in God’s view. Jesus was executed for righteousness, thus anyone filled with the same Spirit is unstoppable in doing good. The sinful nature yearns for human praise over commitment to righteousness as directed by God.
The core of God’s work is embodied in the principle of being our brother’s keeper, prioritizing selflessness over self-interest. In a society that frequently places higher value on human accolades than on divine acknowledgement, the Holy Spirit’s presence among the faithful highlights God’s paramount importance. Although the reluctance to praise others might appear as envy, it is, in fact, our sinful nature that dims the brilliance of love.
A person well-versed in Christian principles does not seek praise, nor is he preoccupied with giving it excessively to others. It is the goodness of God that is most emphasized, rather than the individual delivering it. In a healthy church, resentment is absent as each member strives to uphold the collective good. This is done without expectation of personal benefit. Goodness is defined by what benefits the majority rather than the individual.
A corrupt politician who defrauds the government and harms millions may not be viewed negatively by everyone. To his friends and relatives, he may appear very generous. On the other hand, an ethical politician who sacrifices the interests of his own family and friends for the greater good may not be seen as benevolent by some. Fair judgment is based on the greatest benefit to the majority.
A virtuous individual does not seek to please their friends but rather aims to please God. This is achieved by consistently acting in the interest of the greater good. Some may find certain teachings of Jesus challenging, such as the notion of prioritizing Him over family (Matthew 10:37). Yet, this was to emphasize the principle of the greater good. Jesus’ willingness to suffer on the cross is another testament to this principle.
The crucifixion, a horrific event, was endured by Jesus for the sake of humanity’s greater good. Similarly, a person led by the Holy Spirit is inspired to act rightly, keeping in mind that the Spirit of God is boundless. When one understands the supreme goodness in God, the preservation of the physical body becomes secondary.
Understanding the Scriptures might not be essential if one is guided by the principle of maximizing the greater good for the majority. Paul advocated for setting aside notions of self-importance in the act of service. Such an attitude is attainable for an individual who has been transformed by the renewal of their mind, placing higher value on others than on themselves.
“For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
“Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honour giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:3-15 NKJV).
The Lord’s grace is plentiful, transforming societies for the better. Yet, it seems that people are content with celebrating the blessings they receive without extending those blessings to others. Just as stagnant water offers no refreshment to the thirsty, only when the living waters are allowed to flow can they bring joy in a world filled with sorrow. The question remains: who is willing to be the conduit for these living waters?
True Christians can greatly bless their communities, emulating Jesus’ impact on the Galileans and others in nearby regions. They should embody the presence of Jesus. Echoing Jesus’ words to the Philippians, Paul advocates for filling one’s mind with positive thoughts at all times. Love cannot take root as long as individuals focus on the negative.
“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you” (Philippians 4:8-9 NKJV).
The virtuous truth is that Jesus is the source of the channels of living waters. As humans, we may falter, but correction is easy for one who is aware of the living waters’ source. Striving to do right should not be confused with bodily comfort. Righteous acts comfort the spiritual body of Christ, under whose protection we find assurance.
Managing a Church should be as simple as allowing each member to express themselves. Labelling members with terms like ‘laymen’ is not a concept from Jesus but a construct of demagogues who gain support from those inclined to idolize others. The spiritually convicted do not dwell on individual accolades; they concentrate on the collective good and offer unwavering support, regardless of others’ opinions. Idolizing individuals is not an act of love.
Paul encountered difficulties with some individuals in Corinth. Factions arose, declaring loyalty to different leaders rather than promoting the work of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 1:10-13). This was due to a traditional mindset that prioritized the exaltation of humans, which in turn belittled themselves and others. They neglected the Spirit’s expectations, focusing instead on pleasing those who had baptized them, rather than God. As a result, they replaced spiritual acts with physical ones.
Andrew Masuku is the author of Dimensions of a New Civilization, laying down standards for uplifting Zimbabwe from the current state of economic depression into a model for other nations worldwide. A decaying tree provides an opportunity for a blossoming sprout. Written from a Christian perspective, the book is a product of inspiration, bringing relief to those having witnessed the strings of unworkable solutions––leading to the current economic and social decay. Most Zimbabweans should find the book as a long-awaited providential oasis of hope, in a simple conversational tone.
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