Hilltop United Methodist Chuch

Paul used the metaphor of the body to illustrate the interdependence of individual Christians (1 Cor. 12:12-13). When one part of our physical body suffers, the other parts suffer; when one part accomplishes its duty it is always a cooperative effort...

This interdependence results in a cooperative concern for the vaious parts of the body...Similiarly, we as Christians are connected in Christ. When one Christian fails, we share his failure and care for his needs. When he is restored to fellowship we rejoice with him.

We can't afford to believe that it doesn't matter whether we are actively involved in the struggles against the world or whether we are drifting aimlessly with the tide. When we lose our passion for the church (Chrst's Body) and are preoccuped with our own concerns, our witness will be submerged. We will drown in the icy waters of indifference...

The same is true in the local church. A church preoccupied with its own differences or town by schism is a good candidate for ultimate oblivion...

Differences must be held without bitterness, self-righteousness and pride. In this way, a church can work out its differences and exercise discipline with out dimishing its impact on the world.

(From How in the World Can I be Holy? by Erwin W. Lutzer)