One body AND many parts
Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.
Romans 12:4-8
The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.
1 Corinthians 12:12-13
It sounds so noble when we shout things like: ONE BODY, ONE KINGDOM, ONE LORD. The congregation roared when the preacher shouted similar phrases during the service last Sunday. These kinds of phrases seem incomplete.
I’m not saying we shouldn’t focus on Christ during worship, especially when we congregate together. But what I am saying is that we can’t forget about the many parts that make up the body.
If we’re going to see unity in the Church, then we need to recognize and understand how each part of the body works. Only then will we be able to lean on one another’s strengths instead of trying to do everything by ourselves.
I believe the multicultural Church is recognizing those different parts for the first time in a long time. Those different parts make up different generations, cultures, ethnicities, genders, and giftings. Each of those groups brings something special and we really do need everyone.
Do you think that people emphasize phrases like ONE BODY too much? Do you think that people emphasize MANY PARTS too much? Is one more important than another? How can we find a balance between the two?
Share your story and your life…
Sincerely,
Peter Park
Blogger/Worship Leader/Speaker
peterpark@redemptionboulevard.com
(800) 453-3284
© 2010, Peter Park. All rights reserved.
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