The Body at Work

There is beauty in a body functioning at a high level.  It is amazing to see the abilities of an athlete on display, whether it be an Olympic diver, a NFL running back, or a cheer captain.  There is control, poise, and grace that most do not naturally posses.  It takes years of practice and refinement to condition a human body to operate perfectly in sync with the mind.  Coaches know exactly what to do, but are typically unable to combine their knowledge with the raw talent required to be world-class athlete.  There is a big difference between knowing what to do and perfect execution of that knowledge.

It is interesting that when a person is born again of the Holy Spirit through faith in Jesus Christ, this person becomes part of His Body.  Paul says in Ephes. 4:15-16:  "...speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head--Christ-- [16] from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love."  So Christ is the Head and all the true followers of Christ, though scattered throughout the whole world, are knit together in Him and work together.  This is an amazing concept.  This scripture reveals much about how the church Body functions.

The human body is constantly repairing cells, replacing old cells, and generating new cells.  It takes all these cells working together for the body to be healthy, strong, and functional.  Every cell has a distinct function in the body to serve the same purpose:  the health of the body.  In the same way, every Christian is part of the church.  Though people may have distinct functions or roles in the body, the purpose remains the same:  the glory of God.  Consider these points concerning how this principle applies to our lives:

• "...joined and knit by what every joint supplies..."  The degree to which we are united with Christ will determine the closeness of fellowship we have with other believers.  God supplies the strength, and we must willingly offer ourselves to be used by Him in the process.  Though your life God desires to add strength to the Body.  Conversely, we can choose to lead a life which weakens the Body through a poor witness, delight in controversy, or when we allow ourselves to be divided.  Instead of living as peaceably we can with others, we can be at war over petty issues and destroy the unity God intends.

• "...according to the effective working by which every part does its share..."  Every part of the Body of Christ has a role to embrace.  Have you sought what your role is in the church?  I am not talking about a duty placed upon you by men, but a function placed upon you by God.  God has given you unique talents, gifts, and a calling to pursue that His name would be glorified.  The function of the Body is effective when all do their part, just like how the cells of a healthy human body work together.  Do you have a passion which results in God receiving praise?  If the glory of God is your motivation you will not go wrong.  You will make mistakes, but it is no mistake to pursue God's calling upon your life with passion and abandon to His will.

• "...causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love."  When the body is working effectively, it will grow properly.  When the church is functioning in tandem with the Head (who is Christ), it will also grow.  Growth occurs in two primary ways:  spiritual maturity in the individual parts which will likely increase the number of true followers of Christ.  As we as individuals grow, we are more apt to be bold for our Savior in seeking to save the lost.  Faith and boldness for Christ go together.  When we are filled with the Holy Spirit, we will exude the love of Jesus towards all.  When Christ is glorified the Body is edified in His love.  The converse is also true:  when we are edified through the love of Jesus, Christ is glorified.  This is a kind of love we must allow God to cultivate within us and spread to all.

Last night my family and I were the recipients of such love.  My sister Mel and her husband Robert hosted a gathering for us at their house to see us off to Sydney, assisted by seemingly countless people who unselfishly gave of their time and resources to make it an amazing success.  I was so blessed by the love of God shown through the actions of friends and family.  Having a party was not my idea, and frankly I am still clueless as to all that was given and sacrificed by people out of love for God and our family.  But what a great example of the Body of Christ at work!  Some donated items for an auction, others prepared food, chairs and tables were set up, invitations were sent out, and many people came!  Handshakes, smiles, and hugs were plentiful throughout the day.  Interest in our Australia plans was high.  Prayers were offered, encouragement given, and support supplied.  The whole party was not the doing of one person.  If it had been my job to organize and prepare for such an event it would have been shabby at best.

But see the wisdom of God in ordaining people with various gifts, resources, and heart-felt desire to make such an event happen!  How good it is that you do not need to be a wonderful cook to have a place in Christ's Body, nor do you need to be totally organized or financially wealthy.  God wants to use us right where we are for His purposes.  Whether support is given with a hug or a check, both are an acceptable sacrifice in the eyes of God.  My family and I thank every one of you who contributed in any way to yesterday's "bon voyage" party, even those who could only attend in spirit.  Your love was tangible, deeply felt, and appreciated.  Praise God for the love of Christ!