Paul compares the spiritual unity all Christians share in Jesus to the human body: we constitute the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12-30; Ephesians 1:22; 4:1-16). So even though we are separate people individually, we are summed up together in Jesus.
Being the body of Christ means we all have a part to play: just like ears need to listen, eyes need to see, and feet need to walk, we each have a role to play (Paul calls this role our “gift”) that helps the body function and grow.
The problem is that many Christians don’t help others. They are like parts of the body that won’t work. Are you one of these members of the body of Christ?
- A limp limb: you don’t do anything for other Christians. You just hang around. These people are the last ones into church and the first ones out. They never reach out to others.
- A weak limb: you help others when it is convenient, but overall you don’t exert any effort to encourage others. When there is an opportunity to pray, they hope others pray so they don’t have to.
- An itch: Not only do you not help other people, but you require too much attention from others. These types distract small groups from focusing on the topic of the message and steer the conversation toward what is important to them.
So what should you be? A useful limb. Be a strong arm waiting to be used. Be ready to use your talents to help others. This attitude shows you really understand the gospel: Jesus came to serve others by his death, and then he gave us the power to serve others by his Spirit.
What can you do to encourage growth in faith, hope, and love in other believers? Put that gift to work.
Photo by robotography (now in the UK)
