One Body, Many Parts
Scripture Reading — 1 Corinthians 12:12-31
Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 1 Corinthians 12:27
The human body is amazing. Each part depends on the other parts. We have all experienced how something as simple as a toothache can affect other parts of the body. While every part has an important role to play, no part is independent. All parts must work together so that the body can function well as a whole.
So it is no surprise that Paul often describes the church as Christ's body. Followers of Jesus are interrelated with every other person in the body of Christ. Though each believer may be unique, each believer is also dependent on the rest. Like interrelated body parts, church members must work together in unity and oneness of purpose to help bring about the coming of God's kingdom.
Sometimes members of the church have a hard time becoming part of the body. By nature we resist being dependent on others or having others depend on us.
But Paul states clearly that just as "the eye cannot say to the hand, ?I don't need you!'" neither can anyone in the body of Christ say that to a fellow church member.
God has equipped each individual member with gifts and talents for the building up of the body. The church and its members are one in Christ.
As members of the church, we are called to serve Christ, each other, and the world around us.
Jesus, your body, the church, is wonderfully made. We praise you for making each one of us a part of your body. May we be a blessing to your church and to your world. Amen.
About the author — Jerry Dykstra
Pastor Jerry Dykstra was recently appointed as the executive director of the Christian Reformed Church in North America. After a 15-year career in business, he trained for pastoral ministry and served as the pastor of Cascade Fellowship CRC, Cascade, Michigan, and Faith Christian Fellowship CRC, Walnut Creek, California. He and his wife, Linda, live in Byron Center, Michigan, and have three children and seven grandchildren.
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