The Body of Christ

by Melissa J | More from this Blogger

29 Dec 2006 01:08 AM

The body of Christ is a wonderful metaphor used by Paul in 1 Corinthians chapter 12 to describe the church. He shows that each body part has a role. Each one of these parts is useful in helping the body of Christ function properly.

• "But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit words all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills. For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also in Christ." (1 Corinthians 12:7)

I don't believe there is anyone God can't use for His glory. Whether He's given us Spiritual gifts or giftedness, these gifts are not intended to keep to ourselves, rather to give and bless others, benefiting too the body of Christ.

Years ago I had a severe sprain and was unable to walk. We were just moving into a new apartment the day it happened. The pain was so bad, my husband took me to the hospital in the middle of the night for medication even though we did not have medical insurance. In order to get around--even to use the bathroom, I had to crawl since hopping on my better foot was too painful. Eventually my knees were too sore from rug burn, so my dear husband brought home some crutches for me. Never having used crutches before, I was sure I had to be doing something wrong because my armpits hurt so much after a day!

My point is, my arms weren't made or conditioned to do the work of my feet, nor where my knees. While I was overcompensating with one body part, I was causing more pain to my body as a whole. I wonder if this is kind of what happens within churches when people in the church body become inactive?

• "And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it." (1 Corinthians 12:26)

We are all given unique roles to play. If you don't know where you can be a blessing in your church, pray and seek the Lord. Consider what comes naturally to you. You may not speak in tongues, or have a word of wisdom, but perhaps you can be the welcoming face someone sees greeting them at the doors of your church? Maybe you can be a blessing by helping out behind the scenes in children's church? What about committing yourself to praying for wisdom and direction for your pastor? There really are so many ways you can get involved that don't even require you being a "spiritual giant". As you're open to the Lord's work, trust that He will direct you.

• "In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." (Proverbs 3:6)

Scripture reference is quoted from the NKJV.

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Linda Hansen (1796) 30 Dec 2006 07:00 AM

Very inspiring, MJ. We all have a job to do. Art