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A Part of the Body of Christ

1 Corinthians 12:27

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Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.

1 Corinthians 12:27 NIV

How often are we guilty of talking about the church in the same way we might talk about some other social organization we belong to, or at least are familiar with? We join it, pay our dues, maybe volunteer to help out some, and participate in its activities. And if we decide it is not meeting our social or spiritual needs, we move on and maybe try another church.

But the church is not like the Masons, your company softball team, or the local book club. Those organizations are ultimately made up of independent people who gather together based on common interests. But in the end, they are just loose collections of people.

The Body of Christ

But Christ’s church is an organic body. We are not just participating members in an organization. Instead, we are parts of the body of Christ. As the parts of my physical body are more tightly integrated than are the members of a softball team, so too are the parts of the body of Christ. As this chapter says, we all need each other, and we all have a role to fill in the body.

If you are truly a child of God and a member of his kingdom, then I would encourage you to take seriously the church, the body of Christ. This church takes local expression all over the world in various forms. Find a local expression that is faithful to our head, to Christ. And take your place within his body, seeking to advance the kingdom of God here on earth. Be the body part you were called and equipped to be.

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Ed Jarrett

Just an old clay jar that God continues to see fit to use in his kingdom's work. I am retired, married with 2 children, and 4 grandchildren. I have followed Jesus for many years. And I love to share what He has given me from His word.

A Note to Readers

The views expressed here are solely mine and do not necessarily reflect those of any other person, group, or organization. While I believe they reflect the teachings of the Bible, I am a fallible human and subject to misunderstanding. Please feel free to leave any comments or questions about this post in the comments section below. I am always interested in your feedback.

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