Transformed by the Word: Working together as one
by Lyn Wake
The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ. 1 Corinthians 12:12 (NLV)
The Apostle Paul gave us a helpful image to describe Christian community. When we are united with Jesus, we acknowledge him as the rightful head and Lord of our lives. He acknowledges every person belonging to him as a beloved member of ‘his body’ on earth. This means that none of us are meant to exist with Jesus on our own. He endows spiritual gifts to every single person to play their special part in his ongoing mission. We individually work together as one in ‘member-ship’ and ‘common-unity’ with him.
I once heard a preacher describe himself as the ‘big toe’ of the body. While the congregation chuckled, he explained how God used him to bring balance to situations, and how that often involved being in dark and smelly places! Over time, God has revealed how he has created me to be a ‘ligament’ who helps bring support, connection, and healthy boundaries to the body. This knowledge continues to empower me to participate with fresh confidence.
While we acknowledge that the body of Christ on earth is still broken and imperfect, it is also incredibly beautiful, growing exponentially throughout the earth, and blessing the nations like never before! May a fuller understanding of our part within Christ’s body help us take up our own calling with the kind of courage that possesses no fear, shame, or comparison.
For reflection: Seek God for further revelation of the kind of member you are called to be within his Body.
Be transformed by the Word as you engage with: 1 Corinthians 12
Prayer: Lord Jesus, I declare you as Lord of my life and head of your body. I desire you to give me all I need to play the special part you have ordained for me in your mission. Amen.
Thanks for your patience...