My Daily Pause

Being a part of Christ’s body, that is, being in Christ, takes dedicated effort on our part to maintain that status.

Paul wanted Christians to make an effort to mature. He set up a system of God’s word (Which was delivered originally by the apostles and prophets), elders and teachers to help us grow to the stature of Christ. (Ephesians 4:11-13) As we make progress in that growth, we are less likely to be pulled away to the world’s values, fall prey to false teachers or even fail by our own human nature. (Ephesians 4:14)

Our goal is to do everything we can to function well within the body. Whatever our role, we do it well. Whatever our maturity, we try to grow. (Ephesians 4:15-16)

Without that focus, the world will treat us like the sea does a derelict ship, tossing us to and fro without direction.

Paul talks a lot about the one body. In 1 Corinthians 12, he begins a discussion that last for a few chapters on working together and avoiding the kind of thinking that inhibits unity.

The case in 1 Corinthians is dealing with some specifics regarding spiritual gifts, but we can make application within our own congregations. How do we bring our group closer to unity?

We practice selflessness since we are a group that needs each member to function as a whole. We attend all meetings. We fellowship. We study together. We care for each other. Laugh. Cry. (1 Corinthians 12:14-31)

The more we are together, the more like Christ we become.