As One in Christ

“For the body is not one member, but many.” ~ 1 Corinthians 12:14

The human body is amazing. Each part is dependent on the other parts. Something as simple as an aching tooth can affect many other parts of the body. While every part of the body has an important role, no one part is independent. All parts work together so that the body can function well as a whole.

It is no surprise then that Paul describes the church as the body of Christ. Followers of Jesus Christ are interrelated with every other member in Christ’s body. Though each believer may be different and unique, each believer is very dependent on all others. Like body parts, church members must work together in unity to help build God’s kingdom.

Sometimes members of the church have a hard time becoming part of the body. By nature, at times, we all resist dependence on others or having others to depend on us. But Paul states very clearly that just as “the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee” (1 Cor 12:21) neither can anyone in the body of Christ say that to another church member. God has given each of us with gifts and talents for the building up of His body. The church and its members are to serve each other, and the world around us in unity and love as one in Christ.

In this season of celebration of our nation’s independence, I pray for a revelation of freedom to fill us all…freedom that comes through genuine relationship with  Jesus Christ but also freedom that comes when we are dependent on our brothers and sisters and allow them to depend on us.