Body parts

“For just as the body is one and has many parts, and all the parts of that body, though many, are one body – so also is Christ.” – 1 Corinthians 12:12 CSB

I was only censored on Facebook one time and it is because I had posted a sermon I had preached entitled, “Body Parts” (In many ways this is quite laughable when you see the sort of things that circulate on Facebook). The message I had preached was from this chapter. The concern I had was that so many misunderstand what it means to be a “member” of the church.

In our new membership orientation and often in our meetings and messages, I remind our church family that we are all “body parts” and that is the meaning of the word “member” in older and more formal English translations of Scripture. The Apostle Paul makes that abundantly clear here through analogy as he points out the foot has a place, even though it is not a hand. Also, the entire body is not one part or the other, but consists of all parts so that it might properly function.

We must remember we are not simply part of the body, but that we are a particular body part and we are to function the way the Holy Spirit has designated for the health of the entire body. Above all, we must not forget our Head. If we can remember that Jesus is the Head of the church, then the body will function and his church will be healthy.

Prayer

“Father, thank you that you have made me a part of the body of Christ – the church. Help me this day to function fully in the role you have assigned that others may come to be part of this body and others may see Jesus. Amen.”