“So that there should be no division or discord or lack of adaptation [of the parts of the body to each other], but the members all alike should have a mutual interest in and care for one another.”
I Corinthians 12:25
The Amplified Bible
I Corinthians 12:25
The Amplified Bible
A head shot is usually used to identify a person. Jesus Christ is the HEAD of the church. The body of Christ is identified by its HEAD, not its parts. Each part of the body must recognize that without the head there is no body!
The body of Christ must submit to God’s sovereignty because he has placed each part in the body as he so desires. Furthermore, he has designed it so that each part has a special work, uniquely its own, which creates diversity. Finally, we must know that God expects unity. The result of these three elements creates HARMONY.
Each part must know that they are just that, a part, not the whole. The body is comprised of many different parts that are all important to the body. In order for the body to operate as God intended, there is no room for feelings of inferiority, individuality or selfishness. Neither is their room for pride or feelings of superiority. Each part must recognize and honor the significance of the other parts while holding tightly the head, Jesus Christ (Colossians 2:19).
So that there is no division or discord in the body each part must be honored, but especially those parts that are not seen, or the not so comely parts. Have you ever seen your lungs, heart, kidneys or stomach? No! Do you want to try to live without them? Which is more important to you, your eyes or your heart? Are your eyes more important because they can be seen? Just because the internal organs cannot be seen does not make them less important. Actually, it is quite the opposite. You can live without your eyes, but you cannot live without a heart! Many people in the body of Christ will never stand behind the pulpit to preach a sermon or lead praise and worship. Does that make them any less important to the body of Christ? Of course not! Try preaching a sermon without a sound technician. Try leading a song without a musician or back ground singers. What about the intercessor who woke before morning to pray for the success of the sermon? Because they are not seen does that make them less important? No! These behind the scenes contributions to the body make ministry more effective and efficient.
Harmony in the body of Christ can only be achieved when each member recognizes the sovereignty of God. The parts are diverse, but yet interdependent on the others parts. This understanding and practice will create an environment of humility, honor, respect, edification and encouragement until the body is mature and full grown in the Lord, measuring up to the full stature of Christ.
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1 comment:
I've read all three excerpts from the series on "Just Do You", and I want to commend the writer or writers for excellent analogy of the body of Christ. It's important to realize that mankind was created in the image and likeness of God. Because of sin, mankind lost their identity and purpose. Since the garden, man has been searching to find it again. Unfortunately, the image and likeness has been based on carnal knowledge and not spiritual enlightenment. Jesus Christ came to leave us an example of what God's image and likeness should be. Folk in the church struggle with believing what they've always seen with their carnal knowledge (before Christ/Salvation), and trying to compare it with what the Holy Spirit is trying to show them now. There is no comparison!! It's impossible for me to understand how I fit in the body of Christ when I don't even understand what part of the body I am. My problem is not understanding that I'm a part of the body of Christ. My problem is how do I do me when I don't know who me is. Just food for thought!
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