1 Corinthian 12: 12 – 14
12 For as the body is one and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.14 For the body is not one member, but many.
I was in pain. I was experiencing a severe case of trigger finger and could barely use my left hand. Only one finger was hurting but the whole hand was negatively affected. It felt very awkward and it took me twice as long to complete even the simplest of tasks. The slightest pressure on the finger caused severe pain. I could not grip objects or make a fist. It slowed my progress as I was not able to do things in the normal way. Simple tasks that I took for granted and did without thinking were now proving to be quite difficult. The problem with this one finger was causing a major problem. There was no denying the domino effect of this injury on my day-to-day activities. I had to find a solution and I needed it urgently.
A steroid injection from the doctor did the trick. I had not planned for the unexpected expense but I had to make a choice. Find the money for the injection and get relief or forego the injection and continue to suffer the ill effects of the pain. I chose the former.
Like the human body, the body of Christ is one body that is made up of different members. When one member suffers, the whole body is affected. The work of the church suffers when members are sick, injured, and broken. This inevitably produces a domino effect on the life of the church resulting in a downward slide. The ministry of the church is negatively impacted when members do not function at optimum levels.
In order for the Body of Christ to thrive, there must be unity of heart, mind, and soul. We need each other and must work together to establish the Kingdom of God. We need an injection of togetherness. It is said that a chain is as strong as its weakest link. If one fails, then all fail. Every member must therefore be at their best so that the church can grow as a strong, united body. Such a church is a blessed church. The Word states in Psalm 133 that it is good for brethren to dwell together in unity and when that takes place, the Lord commands a blessing.
May we, as the Body of Christ, be cognizant of the fact that each member of the Body has significance and none is more important than the other. Let us live together in unity, helping and restoring those among us who are hurting so that together, we can be stronger and bring glory to God.
Reflection
Why is it important for the Body of Christ to be united?
What can we do to ensure that the Body of Christ comes to a place of unity and remain that way?
Prayer
Father. thank you that as a united Body of Christ we can serve you and bring glory to your name. Help us to show love and care for each other and bear each other’s burdens so that no one is left behind. In Jesus’ name. Amen.