What precedes form and function?

Great quote from today's the first article in today's readings:
"In all God's creation, life precedes form and function. Latent within the acorn is the mighty oak. The kingdom of God is no exception to this rule."

LIFE precedes form and function. Without the life, without the life embodying seed, there is no expression of form or application of function.

This has manifest application to our understanding of the early church. The seed was and is and always will be Christ. It is out of Him that all the expressions of true Christianity grow out. Fellowship, true love, patience, gentleness, you know all the fruit of the Spirit.

It is from the fellowship with Him by the body individually and His leading them to corporate life that the true reality is expressed.