Members Of One Another

For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one boy in Christ, and individually members of one another.  

Romans 12:4-5

We prize our independence. We are, however, designed for community. Our text declares we are one body in Christ and then adds, ‘and individually members of one another.’ Paul expands on this idea when he takes up the subject of the Body of Christ in I Corinthians. There he explains, ‘And the eye cannot say to the hands, I have no need of you; or again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary.’ The explanation he gives is that we are interrelated and interdependent. This means we need each other. As we look out over the vast organizational wasteland of religion we find it hard to see how this can be, given the current state of affairs in what people call the church. The fact is the organic unity and interdependence of the people of God exists in spite of organizations rather than because of them. People touch other people as cells touch cells. The hand helps the eye; the eye helps the foot and so it goes. At the organic level, the church, the Body of Christ does function. Christ is still the Head. He still controls every part of His Body. He is still building that Body and guaranteeing the overall success of it. To Him Alone be the glory.  

Our Holy and Wise God, 
we rejoice that You are building Your church. 
We praise You that it will function, 
according to Your will.  

Tomm Tice
Where the Bush is Burning