Our natural world consists of various ecological systems, in which plants and animals interact in complicated ways. A scriptural example of this is found in Psalm 104:10-21, which describes an ecosystem consisting of plants, animals, and humans. A food chain is described that includes herbivores, carnivores, and omnivores, and the passage repeatedly emphasizes God's care for his creatures. God has created the natural world in such a way that living things rely on one another in symbiotic relationships. Many ecosystems contain a keystone species, and if this species is removed, the entire ecosystem will suffer drastically.
The ecology of the natural world is a great analogy for the spiritual ecologies that exist among Christians. God does not intend for Christians to operate on their own. At the very beginning of creation, God said that it was a not good for the man to be alone (Genesis 2:18), and God provided him with companionship in the form of his wife. The man, his wife, and their children form an interconnected system of relationships. Each member of the family has a role to play. According to 1 Corinthians 11:12, neither man nor woman can exist without the other.
In addition to family, another important connection that Christians share is in the church. In 1 Corinthians 12, the church is likened unto a human body where each member has its function and role to play in the greater system. Every part of the body is important and necessary for its proper function. The interconnected nature of the body is emphasized in 1 Corinthians 12:26, where we are told that if one member suffers, the rest of the body suffers with it. Likewise, when one member is honored, the entire body rejoices with it. It is important that we as Christians participate in these church relationships and fulfill the unique calling that each of us has received from God.
We also need to realize that all of these ecologies, including the church, are interactive. Many Christians attend church passively, listening to the music and preaching, but not participating in a meaningful way. According to Ephesians 4:16, every part of the body needs to contribute in order for the body to edify itself in love. Although some roles in the church are more prominent than others, each member should seek to participate and use their unique spiritual gifts for the benefit of the entire congregation. Just as the lack of a certain species can harm an ecosystem in nature, the church is also harmed when a member is missing or not fulfilling their calling.
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