Articles
Anxious Care
“But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another” (1 Corinthians 12:24-25).
The key word is “care”. “Care” is most often used in the negative sense. It means to be anxious, or to be filled with anxiety, or worry.
We often think of this word in the context Jesus’ personal ministry. "Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on...” (Matthew 6:25). Here Jesus exhorts us to not worry. Instead of anxious care, God wants us to pray and place our burdens on Him (Philippians 4:6; 1 Peter 5:6,7.) Jesus says, "Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith (Matthew 6:30)? In the Parable of the Sower, Jesus warns of how such “cares” can choke out the word and destroy the desired fruit (Luke 8:14).
But, in this verse above we are commanded to have that anxious care for others. Here, God says don’t be divided, but be totally focused upon the needs and cares of your brother. If he has occasion to rejoice, don’t envy him, but rejoice with him. If he suffers, don’t belittle, but cry with him. The word “care” also carries with it the idea of being torn away or distracted. The Corinthians were exhorted to get their minds distracted from their selfish ambitions and have diligent concern for one another.
Corinth was not the only place where such an attitude is needed. Local churches, communities, even the world needs people with this trait. Such folks are hard to find. The few that have such devotion are precious indeed! “For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state. For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus!” (Philippians 2:20-21)
