The Body of Christ

“Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ…But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.” 1 Corinthians 12: 12, 24-26

I’m guessing that at some point in your schooling you have learned about the human body. Whether it was in elementary, middle, high school or even college, we probably all have a baseline knowledge of how our bodies work. With even just a little bit of information, it is easy to see that our bodies are made of many parts that have to work together for our flourishing. The more you learn about human anatomy and physiology the more this truth is evident, and you begin to realize just how intricately God designed our bodies. When we stop to think about what is needed for us to take a breath, it’s truly amazing the way God designed each part of us.

When we consider the body in these terms, it’s no wonder that it is used as an analogy for the church. In 1 Corinthians 12:12 Paul says that just as the body is made of many parts, that is how the church is in Christ. Just as each body part is unique in function and equal in importance, the same is true in the church. God has gifted all believers with unique gifts and stories so that together we may unite to bring God glory and share his word.

Paul reminds us that in Christ there are no lesser or greater parts. The teachers and leaders are no more important than the door greeters and nursery attendants. On a larger scale, the missionaries are not held in higher esteem than the businessman who shows kindness and integrity in his dealings. Each of us is important and each is needed in the body of Christ. Instead of comparing one another, we are called to learn from, lean on, and care for one another. As Paul says in 1 Corinthians 12:25-26, “there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.” To be a part of the body of Christ is to depend on one another and to support each other.

It is an incredible honor and blessing to be a part of this body, but it also comes with an invitation. Being a part of the community of believers is not passive, it involves action. It includes willingness to listen and see how God might use you and your talents. As my pastor has said in a number of recent sermons “God does custom work”. He uses every one of us in different ways. How he uses me, may not be the same way he uses you. But God does use each of us and we are all an important part of his body of believers.

So take a deep breath and think about how God carefully created your body. As you do so, take a minute to reflect also on the church as the body of Christ. In what areas has God gifted you? How can you use your gifts to serve him? How do you view your role in the body of Christ? What can you do to encourage someone else by reminding them of their importance to the body of Christ?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, We thank you for being our great creator, who formed our bodies so carefully and intentionally. As we go throughout our days, let us not take for granted the gift of life that you have given us. We thank you also for your church and the way it unites believers with a variety of talents. Help us to have open arms and be willing to use our abilities for your glory. Show us the ways we can encourage one another and work together as the body of Christ. We pray this in your son’s name, Amen.

Blessings in your week,

Makalah Scholten
Spiritual Care Coordinator

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