Years ago physicians considered the human appendix to be a useless little organ in our bodies, but recent research has led to a different conclusion. Medical professionals now believe the appendix helps fight diarrhea, fever, and stomach pain. Even though when it is removed, other organs step up to do its work, still those with their appendix fair better. This fact reminds us of the Apostle Paul’s teaching about the value of some spiritual gifts in Corinthians CH. 12, he writes, “Some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary.” His point is that in the body of Christ, the church, each member is important to its functioning. Of course, the church needs effective leaders who nurture and oversee God’s people. Yet the most reserved members should be respected and their abilities recognized and used in their proper places. We might well keep in mind what Spurgeon once said about the way Christ will reward us for exercising our spiritual gifts. He said, “If there are degrees of glory, they will not be distributed according to our talents, but according to our faithfulness.”
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr. is the founder and chairman of UMI (Urban Ministries, Inc.) Under his direction, UMI has grown to be a leading publisher of Christian education resources for churches in the African American community. Read More
