Monday, October 19, 2009

Growing Up Mondays- Why You Need The Church




The many parts make up only one body.
1 Corinthians 12:12 TLB


There's a wonderful story about Jimmy Durante, one of the truly great entertainers. He was asked to do a show for World War II veterans.. He told them he was very busy, but if they wouldn't mind his doing one short monologue, and immediately leaving for his next appointment, he'd come. They agreed. But when Jimmy got on stage he went through the short monologue - then stayed, and stayed. Soon he'd been on stage 15, 20, then 30 minutes. Finally, he took a last bow, and left. Backstage someone stopped him and said "I thought you had to go after a few minutes. What happened?" Jimmy answered, "You can see for yourself if you look on the front row." In the front row were two veterans, each of whom had lost an arm in the war. One had lost his right arm, and the other had lost his left. Together, they were able to clap, and that's exactly what they were doing, loudly and cheerfully.


That's a picture of what's supposed to happen in church: "But the many parts make up only one body, when they are all put together. So it is with the 'body' of Christ." But to enjoy its benefits, you have to go, and when you get there, you must reach out to others, so that you can know, and be known. Pew-sitting, back-of-the-head fellowship, won't cut it! Someone sitting next to you, has 20/20 vision, where you have blind spots. You need their counsel, correction, comfort and fellowship. And they need yours. When that happens, the church is working like it's supposed to.

13 comments:

aspiritofsimplicity said...

Thank you Denise. I really, really needed this.

Fitter After 50 said...

Thanks for being so patient with me as I work to get caught up in my friend's blogs and lives. I'm sorry that you're having such a rough go with your health. Did you have a good weekend?

Rebecca said...

This is such a great illustration. It makes my heart almost ache for that kind of cooperation and commitment with my brothers and sisters in Christ!

Do you write these yourself? They are SO awesome.

I really was inspired by the previous post about men/women & God's special graces for each.....

God bless your day, Denise. Your blog is such an encouragement to me.

April said...

Denise...I couldn't have said it better myself! Big hugs!

Lauren said...

wow -- I wanted to cry when I read the part about the soldiers clapping... so beautiful! Thank you for the powerful picture you painted about us as the body. This is a wonderful post to start my week out! :)

Donetta said...

Good Morning Sis. Wow I love that post.
I do hope your feeling better today. Ya know my Steve has been praying that you'll somehow still get to go Lord Willing.
I love you Denise. Thanks for the right hand. :)

Heather said...

Amen Amen Amen! I love church. I love to Praise and Worship with a group.

Hope you are having a lovely Monday Denise.

Irene said...

My dearest Denise,
Just stopping by to seeing how you are doing. We went to church on Sunday after quite some time. WE took Holy Communion. Watching my family around me felt so good, so right, like the right place to be. And to think that two years ago in that same church I was crying my heart out for God to help them see what I was beginning to see...I'm not always on the right path, but I am struggling and at moments like this, my heart overflows with gratitude. Thank you for all of your love and friendship. Wishing you a happy week ahead.

RCUBEs said...

How are you sister Denise? Hoping that you're starting the week feeling strong in His mighty power. Great reminder that you shared [as always]...Take care and God bless you. Love to you sister.

LisaShaw said...

I enjoyed reading this Denise.

I have had you on my heart and in prayer even while I was off line.

My love and prayers are with you dear sister. You're such a beautiful gift to us all from the LORD.

Angie said...

Good word Denise - almost exactly what our Pastor preached about on Sunday. I guess the Lord is really trying to tell me something, huh? God bless!

Grace on the Narrow Path said...

Denise,
Last Sunday was Mom's funeral and burial. Today I feel numb. Although I know she is in Heaven, I am missing her. I know I will see her again. God has much work for me here on Earth. So I know I must go on.
I love you my friend. I have not forgotten about "Fireproof" dvd.
Love you,
Bren

GranthamLynn said...

What an amazing post. This was something I needed to hear. I agree that we as brothers and sisters need to work together and cooperate much more. I am like Rebecca my heart aches.
Thanks for sharing this.
Hugs,
Sherry