SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 17
1 Corinthians 12:12-20
Ephesians 4:1-6

“For as the body is one, and
hath many members ...”

MEMBERS IN ONE BODY

Paul now proceeded to use the metaphor of the body to describe the church. Though the church is made up of many members who have diversities of gifts, the church is still a united entity. It is just like the human body: made up of individual members, yet the body is a unified whole. The metaphor of the body teaches us several lessons.

First, it teaches us about the mystical spiritual union of believers in the church. The individual members of the body are one because Christ is one, and each one of them has been baptised into the body of Christ by the Holy Spirit. This mystical spiritual union among the body of believers in Christ is most beautifully described by Paul in Ephesians 4:4-6: “There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.”

Since the members of Christ are one, we must all endeavour to keep the peace within the one body of Christ in truth (Eph 4:3). Are you a keeper of peace? Or are you a troublemaker?

Second, our bodies are made up of different members with each member having a different function. The duty of each member is to fulfil its function faithfully. So it is with the body of Christ. (More of this later in 1 Corinthians 12:27-31.)

Third, each member in the body of Christ is important and necessary for the function of the whole body. Our physical bodies are a testament to this. Our bodies will not be whole if any member is missing. It is the same for the body of Christ. Some of us may be appointed by God for certain roles that may seem small and despised by others. Yet in the eyes of God, every role is significant. Take heart and be faithful in your station.

THOUGHT: What causes disunity in my church?
PRAYER: Father, may Thou guard the peace in my church.
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