Under his direction, the whole body is fitted together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love. Ephesians 4:16

When my children were younger they used to receive a magazine subscription called “Ranger Rick”. On the back of the magazine there was usually a series of small pictures taken of everyday familiar objects, but the focus so small it was sometimes difficult to be able to tell exactly what the true item was. Sometimes, I have been guilty of making the same mistake in real life. Thinking I have had all the facts, but only looking at things from my limited experience, I have passed a judgment. The other day at our local CURVES exercise business a very large lady was exercising. I have seen her several times and because she is so large she can barely move her legs up and down. I am so proud of the way she has “stuck” in there and we can see her improvement. As I left there one day, the Holy Spirit spoke to me and said, if I had not seen her in the context of Curves—perhaps I could have criticized her for not caring about her health issues, while all the time she has been working hard. I would have wrongfully discerned the situation.

This is why we have added the section to Real Women! called Focus. These past few issues, we have received some great insights concerning the ministry of Youth Pastor, Worship Pastor and currently, Secretary/Personal Assistant. We offer this as an opportunity to hear from those involved in each ministry from their own perspective. This gives us a brief glimpse into their world so we can notice, appreciate, and learn about their ministry and thus encourage these important body parts. Paul’s comment that “as each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow,” shows us that we can benefit from helping others to grow as well.

Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary defines “Focus”: a state or condition permitting clear perception or understanding, directed attention, emphasis. I believe that as we look at each individual ministry from the point of view of that person involved in that ministry, we will be better able to function as a team. Listening to someone who has been there can help us support them as well as give us an understanding heart of their stresses and joys. The blessing of knowing how the different parts of God’s body function is we will be able to appreciate, encourage and strengthen each other so that the whole body will become healthier.

Let’s remember what Paul had to say to the Corinthians. 1 Corinthians 12:14-27
Yes, the body has many different parts, not just one part. If the foot says, “I am not a part of the body because I am not a hand,” that does not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear says, “I am not part of the body because I am only an ear and not an eye,” would that make it any less a part of the body? Suppose the whole body were an eye—then how would you hear? Or if your whole body were just one big ear, how could you smell anything?
But God made our bodies with many parts, and he has put each part just where he wants it. What a strange thing a body would be if it had only one part! Yes, there are many parts, but only one body. The eye can never say to the hand, “I don’t need you.” The head can’t say to the feet, “I don’t need you.” In fact, some of the parts that seem weakest and least important are really the most necessary. And the parts we regard as less honorable are those we clothe with the greatest care. So we carefully protect from the eyes of others those parts that should not be seen, while other parts do not require this special care. So God has put the body together in such a way that extra honor and care are given to those parts that have less dignity. This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other equally. If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad.
Now all of you together are Christ’s body, and each one of you is a separate and necessary part of it.

Father, I ask that you will bless us with the ability to look at others and their ministries with your eyes. Help us to see others as a part of Your Body and if they are blessed, then we shall all be blessed. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Written by: Martha Rodman