Doug Van Pelt

Honor

What is it about materialism that digs its claws into my heart? I've got an mp3 player, but I desired an iPod. I got an iPod (a nice 60g photo iPod), but now that I've seen a nano, I want one of those? When one model comes out, the next is being designed. I don't need a nano. If I had one, I'd probably give it to a family member, but there is a yearning inside somewhere for that cool little gadget. That yearning has to be bridled (and told no), or otherwise I get taken on a roller coaster ride seeking a satisfaction that never comes. That's weird.

In 1 Corinthians 12 Paul mentions some parts of the body (the ones that seem to be weaker) as "indispensable." He mentions that the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. "And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, while our presentable parts need no special treatment."

I think of a Christian musician or artist that is "famous" at a certain level. He or she does not need to be honored at every turn. In fact, many famous people yearn for a place to be "normal," where they're not being looked at. But I think this passage also speaks to the person with a healthy self-esteem. He or she does not need to puffed up or complimented each and every day. Their encouragement is not as crucial (we all need encouragement, but some can use more than others). The strong help the weak. Then, when the weak are stronger, they in turn help the weak as well.

Sounds like a good plan to help a multi-part body to function well to me...