By Reverend J. Loren Russell, BA, MDiv
1 Corinthians 12:20-23
“20 But now indeed there are many members, yet one body. 21 And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” 22 No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary. 23 And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor….”
It often seems that the first word out of people’s mouths is the word “No?” Why are we so quick to give a fast “no” instead of a slow “yes?” It has been my experience and observation that one of the primary reasons for these fast no’s is the personal pronoun, “me.” What’s in it for “me?” How will it help “me?” Why should I do that? It’s not going to help “me.” There is too much “me” and not enough “we.”
The scripture talks about the collective good of the whole versus the individual benefit of one member of the body. In a somewhat comical way, the Apostle Paul talks about an eye speaking to the hand, and the head speaking to the feet saying, “I have no need for you.” The point is made that the eye cannot dismiss the contribution of the hand, nor can the head dismiss the service of the feet. Every part of the body works in conjunction with the others. They can function independently, but not to their full potential. That achievement is only attained when they work together in unison. When the “me” becomes “we,” great things happen.
People working together is no different. If one person can’t do what another person can, it does not minimize the significance of their contribution. When we are functioning in the “we” and not “me” mode, everyone’s contribution is significant. While it’s possible to accomplish and get things done individually, there is a greater effect when “we” are working together. If one person decides he are going to go it alone (we call that going “rogue”), it has a negative impact on the efforts of everyone else involved. The smallest contribution is important if it is done in one accord. Every effort contributes to the good of the whole. Paul says that the weaker, or the most insignificant part is necessary, even vital, to the good of the whole. He goes on to say those which we label less honorable are, in fact, to be more highly respected. He makes it clear that we are to have no big “I” and little “you.” “We” is always greater than “me!”
Alfred North Whitehead said, “No one who achieves success does so without the help of others. The wise and confident acknowledge this help with gratitude.” In too many instances we have too much “me” and not enough “we.” It may take time, but the “me,” that saturates our society must be eliminated, so that “we,” becomes more than enough.
God Bless!
Rev. J. Loren Russell
Rev. J. Loren Russell is President/CEO of The JLR Company for Church Financial Strategy Consulting; an associate minister at both Goodwill and The Greater Universal Baptist Churches in the Bronx; and creator & host of “Matters of Faith – The Radio Show” Mondays 8:00 – 10:00 PM. Listen on Matters of Faith on Facebook LIVE.
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