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The Same Care

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Aug 15, 1912

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 89, No. 33.

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The Same Care

By F. D. STARR

F. D. STARR
The beautiful illustration of the human body as composed of many members is used in 1 Corinthians 12 to show the relationship of the various members of the church to each other. “God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honor to that part which lacked: that there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.” Verses 24, 25. It is interesting to notice the care that several parts of the human body have one for the other. If a person is about to take a sudden fall that would precipitate the head and other vital parts upon the earth, the hand is instantly thrust forward to avert the disaster, although in so doing it is liable to incur serious injury to itself by coming in contact with sharp stones and various obstructions.
Numerous instances of like involuntary movements of the various organs and members of the body might be noticed. But the interesting feature of the matter is that the same conditions and actions are to be observed in the body which Christ recognizes as his own, his true church on earth, not as a beautiful theory merely, but as actual and accomplished fact. One of the many items that might be mentioned in confirmation of this statement is the recent provision for caring for needy workers who seem to be past the period of active service in the Master’s cause. It has been a matter of much concern to those in responsible positions and to others to determine what should be done for workers of this class or for their needy families.
As a very wise and benevolent arrangement, the plan of the Sustentation Fund has been devised. Thus those who otherwise might be left to suffer are relieved of embarrassment, and receive the same care that other more honorable and serviceable members do. This certainly does credit to the organization that has adopted the system. Some of the members thus favored may consider themselves too vigorous to need to be thus protected and favored, but that simply intensifies the fact that “the same care” is shown them by their fellow members in the earnest solicitude manifested in their behalf. King David thought himself still able to go to the front when his associates could perceive that it was not prudent for him to do so, and exposed themselves to shield him. 2 Sam. 18:23; 21:16, 17. But he much appreciated the brave effort made in his behalf to obtain water for him from the well of Bethlehem, at the cost, as it were, of the lives of noble, self-sacrificing men. 1 Chron. 11:17-19.
Such examples of the same care one for another are as noble and praiseworthy now as they were then.
Forest, Idaho.