We Are the Body Part 1

^{Romans 12
4}Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, ⁵so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. ⁶We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. ⁷If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; ⁸if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

I hope to make this a regular series talking about how we are the body of Christ and how the metaphor works for each body part.  Today we talk about the body overall.

Paul uses the concept of the human body to teach how Christians should live and work together.  Just as the parts of the body function under the direction of the brain, so Christians are to work together under the command and authority of Jesus Christ. Even though we have different functions, we should be united and working together for a single purpose and not looking down on each other for what we do or do not do.  (See 1Cor 12:12-31; Eph 4:1-16)

Created for a Purpose

John 1:3 (New International Version)

Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.

When God created, He made something from nothing.  Because we are created beings, we have no basis for pride.  Remember that you exist only because God made you, and you have special gifts only because God gave them to you.  With God you are something valuable and unique; apart from God you are nothing, and if you try to live without Him, you will be abandoning the purpose for which you were made.