Members Of The Body
As Christians, we are all members of the body- the body of Christ! Just like a human body, we all have our strengths, and we are all of equal value and importance.
We Belong To The Body
First Corinthians 12:12-16 says,
“For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit. For the body does not consist of one member but of many. If the foot should say, ‘Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,’ that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear should say, ‘Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,’ that would not make it any less a part of the body”
I Corinthians 12:12-16
The Bible refers to all believers in Jesus Christ as the family of God. Galatians 3:26-28 says,
“In Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
Galatians 3:26-28
Just a side note … When this passage refers to those who are “baptized into Christ,” it doesn’t mean merely an outward act. In many places, the Scriptures make it clear that it is the inward transformation that is of more concern to the Lord.
The Family Of God
Consider for a moment the family we believers in Jesus are part of. Old and the young. Men and women. Boys and girls. Those from dozens of countries and cultures. The wealthy and those in abject poverty. Those who have never been sick a day in their life. Those with chronic and terminal conditions. Those we would label genius and those with severe learning disabilities. And on and on it goes.
We must remember every single brother and sister in Christ is of equal value. We are all saved by the same means, through faith in the saving work of Jesus Christ. Though He calls us to individual tasks, we each have equal standing before our heavenly Father. And we each need one another.
As we read in today’s passage, we are not only members of the same family but also of the same body. Let that sink in for a moment. What a concept!
Members Of The Body Of Christ
We may be able to imagine our family without certain members. The miles separate us. We lose touch. In time, we adapt to their absence.
But it’s different with a body.
Sure, people can adapt if they lose a limb or become paralyzed, but the best case scenario is when all parts of a body are healthy and functioning in unity to achieve a common purpose.
Think of your own body. If you stub your toe or hit your finger with a hammer, the entire body is involved. You feel pain and want desperately for that pain to pass. Your brain doesn’t tell you, “Oh, it was only one digit; you have nine others. What are you so worked up about?” That’s just silly.
Connected To Our Brothers And Sisters In Christ
Romans 12:15 instructs us to
“rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.”
Romans 12:15
We are to be that connected to our brothers and sisters in Christ.
We are not to consider ourselves of more value than any other member of Christ’s body. Higher education, financial resources, and extensive influence have advantages. But we must remember that we are to look at things from God’s perspective.
Jesus blessed the little children who were brought to Him. He not only healed the leper but also reached out and touched Him—healing both his body and his soul. He called a despised tax collector to become one of His twelve disciples. Jesus placed a high value on society’s rejects: fishermen, beggars, women, children, and others.
Jesus didn’t reject the wealthy and influential offhand, but He knew they would have a much more difficult time admitting their need of salvation through faith alone.
How are we to view others? As priceless in God’s sight. As those we are to reach out to in love. As those we are to respect and learn from.
Viewing Ourselves As Members Of The Body
And there is one more thing I would like to mention. How are we to view ourselves?
I know attempting to rightly answer this question can lead to unhealthy extremes. We can come to think too highly of ourselves, forgetting that it is God who is the giver of every good gift, including our talents, abilities, and resources. However, on the other end of the scale is what I refer to as false humility, saying, “Oh, I could never do that. So and so could do it so much better than I could.” If God calls us to something, He will equip us. Plus, when we realize how dependent we are on Him, it will enable us to live from a place of godly humility.
Let’s remember that we, as Christians, are all members of the same family, the same body, and that we must love and respect one another and work together to achieve God’s plans and purposes in this world.
For further study, I encourage you to read 1 Corinthians 12:12-27.
Are you part of a local church? We would love to hear from you. Share your comment below or contact us at HopeStreamRadio
Steph Nickel
Steph Beth Nickel is eclectically interested and eclectically involved. In all she does, Steph seeks to nurture and inspire. She is currently working on the first book in a nonfiction series. Nurture and Inspire LOVE is a compilation of the first devotionals she wrote for HopeStreamRadio.
Steph is a freelance writer and editor. She is the coauthor of Paralympian Deb Willows’ award-winning memoir, Living Beyond My Circumstances, published by Castle Quay Books. Deb and Steph are working on a follow-up book.
You can visit her website, stephbethnickel.com, to learn more about her.
Visit Steph’s contributor’s page or at Steph Nickel’s Eclectic Interests.
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