The proper functioning of the people of God to fulfill the purposes of God are most often portrayed in communal terms, not individualistic ones. While one role may be more visible and another more subtle, both operate on a cooperative level of equal codependence, to the extent that if even one seemingly “small” part suffers, like stubbing a toe, it effects the larger whole, like bringing a grown man to his knees in pain.
Likewise, when one part fulfills its role, like a hand holding a fork, the larger whole benefits, like a mouth chewing and a stomach being satisfied. This is what it means for the different parts of the body to be “members of one another.” We are far more intricately linked than we realize.
Specifically, as we look at how the cooperative efforts of the Body of Christ work themselves out through the care of the orphaned and vulnerable, we find the same premise to hold true – we’re not all called to do the same thing, but we’re all certainly capable of doing something. We all have a role to play – some more visible, some more subtle – all of significant importance in serving vulnerable children and families well.
