“That there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another.” – 1 Corinthians 12:25
Schisms – there’s a word you don’t hear every day. It comes at the end of Paul’s illustration of how the body should and shouldn’t work. The word means, according to one definition, “a split or division between strongly opposed sections or parties, caused by differences in opinion or belief.” He shows us two examples of people who, on one hand don’t feel they are important and therefore never get involved. On the other hand, he shows an example of people who think that they don’t need others or are able to perform all types of ministry on their own.
I believe Paul is trying to give us an antidote to schisms here in chapter 12 of 1st Corinthians. It is so important to find that particular area where God has gifted you by His Spirit, no matter how big or small, in order for us to give special attention in regards to serving. If my foot, with all good intentions, decides one day it wants to be a hand… it could get very messy. If my ears decide to find its way around without using my eyes, I can expect some trouble. I’m a part of the maintenance team at Keswick but it doesn’t mean I can do all maintenance. If you come to me with an automobile problem and because I want to be a good guy, I give it a go, it could get ugly, and the end result could be worse than when we started.
To pursue those “chosen by God” areas so that we can be a part of a solution is key to preventing schisms. I learned early on, and can relate to my former mentor and boss Ken Brown, that God has called me to work with “drunks and drug addicts” and not with teens. It has saved me a lot of grief. Even though I was both, give me a guy who wants to overcome an addiction over a teenager any day. So if someone asks you to serve in an area you don’t feel comfortable in, “Please Don’t.”
Written by Rob Russomano: Rob Russomano is married to Terri, he is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and a full time staff member. He is also available as a speaker of the grace of God with a message of Hope for church events. You can contact him at
rrussomano@americaskeswick.org.
Daily Quote: “Faithful servants never retire. You can retire from your career, but you will never retire from serving God.” – Rick Warren
This Week’s Verse to Memorize:
“Oh, satisfy us early with Your mercy, That we may rejoice and be glad all our days!” Psalm 90:14
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