You are Christ’s body—that’s who you are! You must never forget this. Only as you accept you’re part of that body does your “part” mean anything.
~1 Cor. 12:27 (MSG)
When we read this passage, our typical response is to ask the granular question: “What is my part in the body?” We think about how this passage affects individuals. We focus on the different gifts and roles that people play in the context of our church.
Maybe when we read this passage, we should think of something a little different. What’s the big picture? What are the implications, not for individuals, but for the local church as a whole?
Here are a few of my thoughts:
- Christ wasn’t selfish with his body; so we must not be. The local church must fight the “my needs” syndrome. Jesus didn’t bring his physical body to the Earth to meet the needs of his individual cells. He certainly didn’t bring his physical body to Earth to focus his attention on himself. Jesus brought his body to this Earth so he could focus on others. We, his Church-body, must focus our attention on the needs of those outside our body rather than on us. “…the Son of Man came here not to be served but to serve others.” (Matt 20:28a NLT)
- Christ gave his body for the world; so must we. Not only did Jesus bring his physical body to Earth to serve others but also to die for them. In his Church-body, we must die to ourselves. There are no excuses for hidden agendas or out-dated, irrelevant programs when people are dying in separation from God! Just as Jesus sacrificed himself, we must sacrifice ourselves, our agendas, and our preferential traditions in order to reach people who need God’s love and forgiveness. All of our programs, strategies, and values MUST reflect our commitment to do whatever it takes to see people saved! Not only did Jesus say, “I came to serve” but also, “…to give my life as a ransom for many.” (Matt 20:28b NLT)
- Christ’s body is fully mature; so we must be. “And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and men.” (Luke 2:52 NIV) Just as Jesus’ was mature, so his Church-body must be mature. Maturity is not measured by our knowledge of Scripture. Knowledge is not measured by how deeply we’ve explore the truths of the Bible. Rather, the greatest measure of maturity is sacrifice. Serving the church, the world, and giving our resources to God shows maturity far better than seminary degrees, Greek-expertise, and long-time-church-membership. The more God penetrates our hearts, the more willing we are to sacrifice.
Let us, Christ’s Church-body, recognizing that the Church is not here for our satisfaction but our sanctification. Let us realize that the Church is not here for “me” but for those who need salvation. Let us give sacrificially of our time, abilities, and resources. Let us sacrifice anything and everything for the sake of those who don’t know Jesus. And let our sacrifice draw all people to faith in Him!
