The Body of Christ. I find it remarkable that Jesus would refer to us as His Body. Because our bodies are so personal this is an extremely personal term. It is also incredibly affectionate. For, “after all, no one hated their own body but they feed and care for their body just as Christ does the church” (Ephesians 5:29). This is truly an amazing thing.
If you want to know how Jesus feels when a member of his church is hurting, watch your own reaction next time you stub your toe.
Body imagery shows up again when Paul discusses the importance of each individual member of the church. “Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ… Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it” (1 Co. 12:12, 27).
If you want to know whether you’re significant or not, start playing “Would You Rather” about which body parts it would be easier to live without: Right foot or left arm? Thumbs or big toes? Eyeballs or tongue?
What I’m trying to say is, you matter. You matter because, if you are in Christ, you are a part of Christ’s beloved Body, the church. You matter because the church needs—really needs—each member contributing to the health of the whole church. You are significant and the church needs you.
The church needs the hope for the future in the chubby cheeks of a newborn baby being dedicated with their parents to the Lord. The church needs the boundless energy of a fourth grader running and laughing full of joie de vivre. The church needs the quiet courage of a middle schooler, navigating many confusing changes with character and conviction. The church needs the boldness of high school and college students, bravely resisting the tempting gods of this world. The church needs young parents understanding in new ways what dying to self means and the stakes involved in discipling a new generation. The church needs single adults who are unincumbered by marriage and kids and able to advance the cause of Jesus in the community and around the world. The church needs maturing adults to work and serve and give sacrificially, taking advantage of their growing network and sphere of influence to be a witness for Christ in this world. And the church needs the elderly to share their wisdom, perspective, and stories of a lifetime of God’s care and faithfulness.
Whatever age or stage of life you find yourself in, you have something significant to offer and I am grateful to be on mission together with you.
“But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be.”
1 Corinthians 12:18
