Have you ever stepped on your own foot? Let me ask you something. Does your foot refuse to work because it got offended by the other foot?
As Christians we are just like a physical body. We must work together and we must not hinder each other. Can you imagine what would happen if your hand got jealous over your feet getting a new pair of shoes.
Can you imagine how it would be if your hand refused to tie the shoe or your eyes refused to look at your shoes because it became jealous because they didn’t have a new pair of shoes? Can you imagine how silly it would be to give in to the eyes and buy your eyes a new pair of shoes?
This may seem silly and ridiculous when we talk about a physical body this way, but it is no less ridiculous when the body of Christ contends with itself in discord.
If our physical body reacted the way some people in the church react, we would be crippled and useless, never being able to do anything or go anywhere.
Paul said that we are one body, but many members. We must work together without jealousy, without contention and without becoming offended. Offenses will come. There will be times when someone will step on you accidentally, but snap out of it and do not get offended.
As the church we are told that we are to walk by faith and not by sight. No evil can prevail over the church as long as we believe God’s Word and act on it.
However, Galatians 5:6 says that faith works through love. Love and forgiveness are essential in our Christian walk. Our ministries, our families and our relationships will only be complete and whole when we walk in love. Love is not offended. Love never sees a wrong done and love never fails (1 Cor. 13).
All rights reserved. Used by permission.
Dr. Larry Ollison is founder and Senior Pastor of Walk on the Water Faith Church and founder of Larry Ollison Ministries. With over forty years in the ministry, he is a very popular speaker nationally and internationally and ministers the Word of Faith through radio, television, Internet, and daily e-mail devotionals. As the author of twelve books (including The Power of Grace, The Practical Handbook for Christian Living, Breaking the Cycle of Offense, Life is in the Blood, and recently released The Paradise of God), he is in frequent demand for radio/TV interviews, book signings, and magazine publications.
Dr. Ollison was raised a Southern Baptist. While majoring in theology at Southwest Baptist University, he received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. For many years he traveled extensively speaking at Full Gospel Business Men's meetings and conventions. He later earned an M.A. in Theology and a Ph.D. and Th.D. from Life Christian University.
Currently President of International Convention of Faith Ministries (ICFM), Dr. Ollison is also Vice-President of Spirit FM Christian Radio Network, Missouri State Director of Christians United for Israel (CUFI), and a Trustee on the boards of several international ministries. He is also the host of The Cutting Edge Radio Broadcast and authors The Cutting Edge Daily Devotional.
As the owner of a marine dealership, his extensive business background brings a unique flavor to his teaching. He founded and served as chairman of the Missouri State Marine Board, President of the Marine Dealers’ Association, Vice-President of a bank holding company, along with holding several directorships in various corporations.
Dr. Ollison's strongest areas of teaching are the blood of Jesus, faith, relationships, the Hebrew language, the Holy Spirit, the end times, and heaven. During ministry, he operates freely in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. His use of humor and his ability to make a theological concept simple makes it enjoyable and easy for everyone to understand. Countless testimonies have been received from people who say their lives have been changed after experiencing Dr. Ollison's unique ministry.
Dr. Ollison is a pastor, pilot, teacher, and author. His number one goal is to meet the needs of the people through the teaching of faith in God's Word. He and his wife, Loretta, have two children and six grandchildren.