Sheep and Body Parts

Recently, we took part at a local Farmer's Market. We took care of sheep. Yep, you heard (or read) right; we took care of sheep. No, I'm not talking about the fluffy white animals that go
b-a-a-a-a-a. No, the sheep we took care of are infinitely more precious to God. Peter, the foot-in-mouth disciple was instructed by Jesus as a gesture of love to "feed his sheep", 3 times actually. That is what we did. We took care of sheep.

One of the lessons I've been learning as of late is that the church has nothing to do with the walls we meet within. Rather, it is the people inside. we don't "go to church", we ARE the church. I've said it before, you arm doesn't attend your body, it is an instrumental and necessary part of it. In the same way, if you call yourself a Christian and are not a part of a church body, you are simply an appendage lying lifeless on the ground. You have no life and no function. However, when you are attached to the body, the church, you and the church can accomplish that which God has purposed you for. In other words, outside of the church, you cannot fulfill your God given role; your destiny. "That's closed minded of you Joey", well, I didn't make that up; take it up with the Author. 1 Corinthians 12:12-27.

So, what do sheep and body parts have in common? Hmmmm. Nothing. Oh, wait, there is something actually. As a "church" body, we can't wait for people to come to us; we need to go out. Jesus' last command was to wait and everyone will come to you, right? Um, that's a big, fat negative. Jesus' last words on Earth were to go! Where? Everywhere! In today's vernacular that means to our own towns and cities, states and nation and, if need be to other nations! Jesus said Go! So we are being obedient and we are going and the Farmer's Market is just one example what what we can you.

So, the question is, are you a part of a body or just a limb lying around with no function. It's time to "re-attach yourself". It'll do you, and the body, some good.