As we look forward to another wonderful year, many of us make new year resolutions. Maybe this year we can set goals that help us grow spirituality over the next twelve months. As Christians, we should be growing together in terms of three concepts: worshiping God, loving others, and serving. Perhaps this year we can challenge ourselves with building stronger relationships within these three areas.
In part one, we looked at our relationship with God. In part two, we looked at our relationship with others. In this post, we’ll look at our relationship within the Body of Christ.
Our relationship within the Body of Christ
The body of Christ is the Church. If you’re a Christian, you’re a part of the body. As the body, we work together to serve those around us as Christ has instructed us to do. Within Paul’s discussion on spiritual gifts and unity, Paul explained it this way:
Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body…and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. For the body does not consist of one member but of many.[i]
All of us have something unique to offer. When we all serve together, we become the hands and feet of Christ and are able to fulfill His purposes. We can look at it like this:
1) There is one overall purpose – God’s will
2) There is one body – the Church
3) There are many parts – there is a place for everyone to serve
4) There are many functions – everyone serves and contributes in their own way
5) A hand cannot be a foot – one person cannot do every job and no one can replace someone else
6) The body working together – God’s will accomplished
There are many different ways we can serve within the body. The key is finding how God has gifted you, realize you’ve been gifted in that area to serve God, and go for it! One area is not better than the other, they are just different. For example, a musical gifting is no better than someone who serves as an usher.
We all need to find a way to serve. In fact, in order to truly be a part of the Church, we all need to find a place to serve. If the body of Christ is the Church, and the body needs active members serving in their unique way in order to fulfill God’s will, then the entire Church needs to be a part of body in order for success. That said, the will of God will be accomplished either way. The question is: will we choose be a part of it or will we allow the few to do their job and ours? Unfortunately, the latter eventually leads to burnout and ineffectiveness.
Where will you serve this year? Will you try something new? Will you continue to serve? Will you continue to be a part of the body of Christ? Be a part of the body of Christ and grow this year!
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From our home to yours, have a blessed and wonderful year!
