The ladies’ group has selected a name; We Are One. The moniker is reflective of a song recently learned by many here of the same name. Written by brethren Glenda Schales and Matthew Bassford, the hymn discusses the importance of doing one’s own part in the church. “For the body does not consist of one member but of many” (1 Corinthians 12.14, see the following verses for quoted scriptures)
Verse one reminds the singer that God is our uniter. Each member, having put on Christ is made into a singular body; the body of the church, with Jesus the Christ as our head. “God arranged the members in the body, each one of them as He chose” (18). Being members of the same body unifies us, while not removing our idiosyncrasies that allow us to be unique.
Fingernails are great for scratching an itch, but tippy toes work better to reach the top shelf. Verse two requires the singer to call to mind that our unique qualities, abilities, and talents are a blessing. “…the parts of our body that seem to be weaker are indispensable” (22); “….that the members may have the same care for one another” (25).
Verses three and fours share the idea of, “If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell?” (17), as it makes statements such as, “Thus we bear each other’s loads till we rest with Him above”.
“Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. And God has appointed [the roles, talents, and ministries thereof]” (27-30). “We are one, as we serve in truth and perfect love, All united in one mind with Him above” (chorus). You are needed in the church. Remember, the church is not the building; the church is the people. You are needed with the people.
Chapter 13 tells us how to love one another. The last statement before this chapter begins is “I will show you a still more excellent way”. Loving one another is “more excellent” than miracles, speaking in tongues, and prophecy. And without brethren reciprocating that love, perhaps more difficult as well.