One Body, Many Parts

I am increasingly thankful for the way God has designed His Church.

In recent weeks, as I’ve engaged in conversations and reconnected with old friends, I have been reminded of how much we need one another—not just on Sundays, but every day of the week. The body of Christ is not a theoretical concept; it is a living reality, shaping and sustaining us in ways we often don’t fully recognize.

I have been strengthened by the prayer of a faithful, wise woman whose humor and exhortation uplifted my spirit (thank you, Benny!).

I have been encouraged by the faith of a young saint serving among special needs adults, witnessing her quiet perseverance and receiving the blessing of her prayers (thank you, Kailey!).

I have been sharpened by a colleague who challenges my assumptions, pushing me to think more clearly and work more effectively (thank you, Kevin!).

I have been led by my own children, who—without even realizing it—have reminded me to seek joy in the midst of daily struggles (thank you Lucy Boo!).

And I have watched the power of the Holy Spirit at work late at night as a goer prayed through tender tears for someone to be repentant, a moment of deep intercession that displayed both faith and longing for God’s transforming grace (thank you…you know who you are!).

Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 resonate deeply: “For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.”

We were never meant to navigate the life of faith alone. God has placed us into a community called the church where each person contributes uniquely to our growth, encouragement, and sanctification. And this all draws us into the reality of Christ, the head of the church. And it displays the manifold wisdom of God (Ephesians 3:10).

And this cannot be confined solely to the walls of a church building. For sure, the church gathered plays a unique role! But the body of Christ is at work Monday through Saturday, in coffee shops and conference rooms, in living rooms and late-night phone calls, in unexpected moments of laughter and in whispered prayers of intercession.

We need each other every day. In all the stuff of life.

Not just to accomplish tasks, but to be abiding in Jesus and fulfilling the calling God has given us. Not just to be encouraged, but to learn how to encourage others over and over and over again. Not just to receive, but to give out of our lack of capacity and ability in weakness. We need every single part of the body to function so we can grow!

Oh that we would embrace the gift of the body—many parts, yet one in Christ! Oh that we may we seek to live in that reality every day!