Unity in Diversity

1 Cor 8:2 If anyone imagines that he knows something, he does not yet know as he ought to know.

During the past weeks, we have been studying the body from the smallest to the largest parts.
Atoms combine to make molecules
Molecules combine to make cells
Cells combine to make tissues
Tissues combine to make organs
Organs combine to make functional systems
Systems combine to make the body
How amazing to go from that to 1 Corinthans 12 and find the things I'm learning in school, right there in scripture!
1 Cor 12:14 For the body does not consist of one member, but of many.
I Cor 12:18-21 But as it is, God arranged the organs in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single organ, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, yet one body.
1 Cor 12:24b-28 But God has so composed the body, giving the greater honor to the inferior part, that there may be no discord in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.
So as a human being, not only am I constructed of simple to complex parts, but as a believer, I am but one organ, tissue or cell or maybe even a simple molecule in the body of Christ! Knowing what I know about the human body and how important the small things are to the large, it clarifies that in the body of Christ, everyone is important whether they are a large "organ", a teacher or prophet, or if they are a simple cell, supporting and upholding the functioning of the larger organ. I think there is a whole series of sermons here! Are you a microbe in the body of Christ?
As far as practical skills, the last couple weeks have been focused on learning how to take vital signs (temperature, pusle, respiration, blood pressure and pain) and how to do basic nursing assessments. We've also studied wound care and pressure ulcers as well as learned about anti-microbials.
Practical application? Immobility (as in studying for hours on end) leads to the development of pressure ulcers as circulation in the vicinity of the bony prominences is impaired. Those tissues then begin to breakdown and become wounds. Which requires the use of antimicrobials and specialized wound care to heal. Vital signs indicate how well the body is functioning and whether or not it is fighting off infection and coping with the impaired circulation. I think they might also be necessary at the end of a long week of study and tests, to verify that there is still life and that I have not become a vegetable!;)
Truthfully, I am really enjoying my studies. They are invigorating and there is so much to learn. What a joy and priviledge to have the opportunity to do so! Everyday, the depth of understanding grows as new things are revealed. I have "known" the interconnectedness of how the body functions, particullary in regard to pregnancy and childbirth, but with new knowledge, there is new understanding. I look at what I have learned already and look at what I will learn throughout the coming two years and wonder if it will be enough. There is SO much out there to know!
1Cor13:12 For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall understand fully, even as I have been fully understood.