For the body is not one member, but many. 1 Corinthians 12:14
We have all heard phrases like “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts” or “There is no “I” in team.” Years ago I listened to a sermon entitled “Body Thinking.” The primary focus of the message was about moving “self” into second place, and making sure others were free to function in God’s Church according to the gifts given them by Him. The problem with most of us, is that paying lip service to phrases like these or “Jesus first, others second, me last” does not eliminate the natural pride and selfishness that will only be eradicated when we no longer occupy these “earthly tents.” If you don’t believe me, the next time you examine a group photo with you in it, ask yourself who you singled out first. Most people find themselves first. We can’t seem to help the fact that “of all the people I know, I love me most.”
So what is “Organic Thinking”? Merriam- Webster’s 4th definition of Organic reads like this; “a: forming an integral element of a whole. – b: having systematic coordination of parts. c: having the characteristics of an organism. – developing in the manner of a living plant or animal” It reminds me of what the beloved apostle Paul wrote in Ephesians 4: 16 “From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. “ God’s people need to always keep in mind that while they as individuals form an “integral part of a whole”, they are nonetheless a “part.” My High School choir director constantly reminded us that we must form a wall of sound where no single individual’s unique voice could be heard. This could only be achieved by careful listening and nearly perfect equalizing volume and timing adjustment. “Organic Thinking” is always asking how can I best accommodate “the effectual working in the measure of every part.”
W.E. Vine does an excellent job of describing what the end of the verse “edifying itself in love” ultimately entails for fellow believers. He writes, “Christian love, whether exercised toward the brethren, or toward men generally, is not an impulse from the feelings, it does not always run with the natural inclinations, nor does it spend itself only upon those for whom some affinity is discovered. Love seeks the welfare of all, Rom 15:2, and works no ill to any, Rom 13:8-10; love seeks opportunity to do good to ‘all men, and especially toward them that are of the household of the faith,’ Gal 6:10. True “Organic Thinking” is favoring one another like the human body naturally favors its own shortcomings. The struggle and will to survive in the most complete and healthy condition possible is our personal goal and should be the goal of each church member for the whole church. The church is spiritually a living organism.
-Anonymous