The Functional Body...

The body of Christ, His church, is made up of millions of functional parts. It’s the most meticulous living machine ever made. Each part, seen or unseen, is necessary for the body to function properly… “You are the body of Christ. Each one of you is a part of it” - (1 Corinthians 12:27).

We believe a lie from the Devil when we get to the point where we think we no longer have a function. The whole function of the hand is dependent on hidden support tendons and ligaments. Very few know their names, but everything in their area works because of them. The big toe may seem of little value, hidden in a shoe out of sight, but without it, the whole body has no balance. How about one sore tooth? The whole body responds in pain with it. We’re all a part of each other, interconnected… “Suppose the foot says-I am not a hand, therefore I don’t belong. The ear can’t say to the eye- I am not you, therefore I don’t belong-but if the whole body were an eye, how could it hear?”

This key verse, is the most personal verse for each of us... “God has placed each part in the body just as He wanted it to be… and He has given more honor to those parts that are unnoticed” - (1 Corinthians 12:18, 24).

Friends, we live in tumultuous days of tribalism, where society is divided in a dozen different ways, pitted against each other to further their own agendas. But we are part of the body of Christ-His Bride-His representatives here on earth. This identity should fill us with joy and purpose. We serve the King of kings, and Lord of lords, who has given us each a specific role to fill. Our focus needs to be to “Strengthen that which remains,” and to wholeheartedly apply ourselves in our roles, “Working with all our might, as unto God and not man.” For we remember Jesus’ words… “And behold, I come quickly; and My reward is with Me, to give every man according as his work shall be” - (Revelation 22:12).

A sweet older woman smiled and said that she’s quite content to be a mere red blood cell for God… “Making sure each body part is fed well and fortifying the big muscles for strength. I believe my prayers are able to bring Heavenly oxygen to every part of the body… I’m not the tongue that preaches powerful messages, or the feet that carry the gospel to foreign lands, but I know my work matters. I really don’t mind not being seen by man, I know God sees me, and I love to serve Him.”

May we all serve with this same sweet joy and humility. It all matters. And it’s all needed.