Romans 12: Part 4
Paul continues after his warning to not think too highly of ourselves with an analogy. He compares our one body (with its many parts with different functions) to the one body we form in Christ (where each member belongs to the all others).
Different Functions
We live in an amazingly diverse world. If everyone in the world was a farmer growing food, we would have no clothes to wear. If everyone in the world was a math teacher, we would not learn about history. Just like we have bodies with different parts and functions, so are we different parts with different functions in the body of Christ. If we had eyes everywhere, we wouldn't know the sweet sound of a gentle rain. If we had noses everywhere, we would live in darkness.
We often get caught in the comparison trap. We look at a different member in the body and we are jealous or discouraged that we don't have as spectacular of a role as they have. But God formed each of us and gave us the gifts He saw fit to bless us with. When we are discontent with our function or jealous of someone else, we aren't just belittling ourselves, we are also spurning God's blessings.
It is beneficial to know our spiritual gifts (more on this later in this series), but our gifts or lack thereof do not excuse us from the general commands that God gives to all believers (more on this later in the series). Our body parts serve many diverse functions, but they all work in unity to do the task set before them, whether cooking and serving a meal or visiting with a friend over a cup of tea.
One Body
There is one body in Christ. We are not divided by nationality, continent, gender, age, or ethnicity. So let us learn what the body is doing around the world and across denomination lines. Let us be known as Christians, instead of as our denominational labels. Let us be concerned about our Christian brothers and sisters in North Korea, Afghanistan, Belarus, Egypt, Brazil, Guatemala, Canada, and elsewhere. Let us rejoice over the joys and celebrations happening throughout this one body, as well as mourn for those struggling with poverty, addiction, racism, and persecution in any part.
Belonging to All Others
Each member in the one body in Christ belongs to all of the others. May we not stand by and refuse to help those in need. May we share our time, resources, and knowledge with each other. We have a call to help each other and spur each other on.
Search in the Bible for the "one another" passages. These are the "be kind to one another", "share with one another", "pray for one another" passages. This shows our interconnectedness, the bond we share with each other, and the requirements upon us as one body.
As Christians, we should have deeper bonds than just friends. We are more than a social club meeting on Sundays. We are supposed to be living life together: sharing meals, sharing resources, holding each other accountable, and so much more. Yet, many Christians show up for a Sunday School class and church service, and then leave to their own homes, their own lives, their own preferences. We struggle through difficulties on our own, going through seasons of scarcity and pain instead of sharing our burdens with the body we are a part of.
Questions to Wrestle With
Take time this week to consider:
-What is your function in the body?
-What would happen if everyone in the world had your job and skillset? What holes in your knowledge are covered by others?
-Do you tend to disparage your role in the body?
-Do you tend to idolize someone else's role/gifting?
-What does our dissatisfaction with our role communicate to God?
-Do you already know your spiritual gift(s)?
-Do you use this knowledge as an excuse to not perform some roles/tasks?
-How are you working in unison with the body of Christ?
-Are you connected with the struggles and triumphs of the body of Christ through the world?
-What are the young/middle-aged/old dealing with?
-What is the experience of people who do not look like you?
-Are you willing to go through the highs and lows of those in the body?
-How do you identify your relationship to Christ? Do you claim your denomination first or the name of Christian?
-Do you help those in need, even those you don't know?
-Do you share your time, resources, and knowledge with others?
-How do you spur other Christians on?
-Are you familiar with the "one another" passages?
-What do you owe the other members of the body?
-Does your congregation go deeper than a social club meeting?
-How do you live life together with other Christians?
-How have you offered help to other parts of the body who were struggling?
-How have you asked for (and accepted) help from other parts of the body?
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
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