Body of Coral.

Recently I was in Mauritius on a stop over from a trip from Africa. Who says mission work has to be difficult? While in Mauritius we did some activities with some local Christians, but on one of the days we had no work and so our team headed for the beach - Blue Bay for a snorkel.

While snorkeling around the bay I was spending time looking at the coral. I saw many patches of staghorn coral with beautiful blue tips. The base of those coral formations were plain in colour and were hard, and looked dead, but the tips looked alive, full of colour, and seemed to be reaching towards the sun.

As the coral continues to grow it gets bigger and gets closer to the surface - but only if it grows on the older parts. If some new coral doesn't lock onto the existing structure then it can drift away. The new growth needs the previous to reach higher levels than previously done by the body. The body needs the previous growth as well as the new growth, to be alive and be strong.

We Christians are a part of something bigger than ourselves, we are a member of a body and we should never overlook any part of that, especially the older component. Romans 12 v 5: so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.

Let us embrace all members and value each part of the body, each is vital. Are the older parts of your body your foundation? Are you learning and growing from them? Or are you just floating around? The older parts have lived longer than you, they know the waves better than you, they have created a foundation for you.. use it... the wisdom they can share, and advice given is of great value.

Proverbs 13 v 10: Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.

Challenge for the week: try and catch up with someone older than yourself this week, for a coffee and a chat. Don't be afraid to talk, but also don't forget to listen.

Blessings,

Akita.
21-6-07

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Ecclesiastes 9 v 17

The quiet words of the wise are more to be heeded
than the shout of a ruler of fools.

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Akita Olsen
Email: olsens@westnet.com.au

Bunbury Vineyard Church.
PO Box 1475, Bunbury,
WA 6231, Australia.
www.bunburyvineyard.org.au

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