The Body of Christ

Yesterday, our church body celebrated the life of George Markey. My family and I did not have the privilege of knowing George and we do not know his wife or children or grandchildren. But, we have felt the influence of the Markey family. Our pastor and teachers and elders were discipled by George and his wife, Pam. Our church is in existence in large part because of their faithfulness to the Word and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit. We are reaping the benefits of George's consistent planting of the Gospel.

Today, I find myself thinking about the beautiful body of Christ. Specifically, about our church body. When news of George's illness and subsequent death spread, many people who knew the Markey family, offered to help in a variety of ways. Money was given, comfort was provided, homes were opened, vehicles for transportation were offered, love overflowed. The arrangements were made and the funeral was planned. I was asked to help with a special dinner for the family and our church body.

As we were preparing for the meal, the Lord showed me that many of the women who were diligently, cooking and cleaning and preparing the church all day, were women like me--women who didn't personally know the Markeys. But, each of them shared a bond in Christ and were ready to serve Him when He asked. It was a beautiful sight.

"For even as the body is one and yet has many members, and all the members of the body, though they are many, are one body, so also is Christ." 1 Corinthians 12:12

One last comment: our little Emma already has an interest in mission work. We have shown her pictures of our missionaries at church and she knows that the Markeys helped start the Calvary Chapel in Ukraine. One day over a year ago, George was visiting our church and was standing outside greeting folks as they arrived. As we approached the door, I leaned down and pointed out George to Emma. She stopped, gave him the once over and said, "He doesn't look like a George Markey to me but I think God could use him."

Use him, God did, Emma. Praise the Lord for His works in and through George, Pam and their family.