The Body of Christ - Part Two

 

I’m a big sports fan. I’m more interested in college teams than professional .  College players are more likely to put their team and their school first. I tend to get irritated with pro players who are all about themselves and complain or cause disunity among their teammates.

 

We need to recognize that, as Christians, regardless of our denomination or our particular beliefs, that we are all part of the same team.  Non-Christians often say that they are turned off by Christianity when they see how much infighting goes on between Christians. We need to concentrate on our common goal of furthering God’s message and work in the world around us.

 

No team member gets ready for a game on their own. The same is true for our Christian walk. We should strive to be actively in fellowship with other Christians as part of a community of believers. Being part of the Body of Christ involves, by definition, interdependence with others. We each have our own unique role to play. 

 

COVID accelerated the trend towards Christians leaving local congregations and denominations. It’s sad to see people leave when they have a problem with someone or something. The church as a whole, and all its various parts, will always be imperfect because it is made up of imperfect people. Its power is from God and it is magnified when we come together as one. Paul wrote to the Corinthians about the message of the Gospel, “We have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us” (2 Cor 4:7). We each need to be a positive force in making the Body of Christ, His church, more in the image of how He desires it to be.

 

Before His death, Jesus prayed to His Father for us. “I pray also for those who will believe in me…..that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you…..May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me” (Jn 17:20, 21, 23).

 

Take comfort today in knowing that you are in the Body of Christ and that you are supported by innumerable other believers, here and in heaven.