One Body
In these times of great polarization, how can we challenge ourselves to–even in our correction to our other members–to stay mindful that we are One Body?
1 Corinthians 12:15-16,26
Now if the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.
The notion that we are all part of one another is verified by science.
And yet, it seems that very few of us have gotten the memo. Like the saying goes, many of us–metaphorically speaking–cut off our own noses to spite our faces.
Paul’s advice to the people of the early church to consider themselves one body–whether they like it or not–invited them to consider that, perhaps what they don’t respect about someone in the body is precisely what they are there to offer.
Just as he elsewhere teaches that not everyone has the same gifts, but each gift comes from the same Spirit, if humans are ever to live fully into The Way of Life, we must re-member that all of our lives are inextricably woven together.
In these times of great polarization, how can we challenge ourselves to–even in our correction to our other members–to stay mindful that we are One Body?
— Pedro Silva
Great question! My goal is to shift at least half of all donations (more than half of income) to greatest global unmet needs, which is usually children, minorities, indigenous, and disabled in poorest nations (Africa), particularly those inspiring more local Christian disciples, as local volunteers can do far more than my donations ever could to help global neighbors in greatest need.
Polarization is caused by the wealthy using media and issues to divide and conquer the people by distracting from laws creating more subsidies for the rich, instead of better pay (or less taxes) for real work, and helping solve or sustain our greatest unmet needs. The temptation of mammon greed is very powerful on the rich, who feel entitled to more and are less inclined to share, not realizing how painful a price is put on the little people, particularly children, minorities, indigenous, and disabled. Not that centralized forced communism is any better than capitalism, but Jesus offered the alternative of decentralized voluntary equality if we choose love and forgiveness.
How can empathy with neighbors be sufficiently encouraged in the rich to actually share resources efficiently and effectively? Perhaps experiencing life in an ignored and underdeveloped neighborhood or nation that simply needs a hand-up would help improve empathy and sharing?