The imagery of the Church as the body of Christ calls our attention to the truth that all true believers throughout all time and in all places make up this body. A portion of the body is already with Christ, while a portion is still scattered throughout the whole earth and manifested in local congregations. This metaphor of the Church, which directs us to think about Christ as the Head of the body, also compels us to think of the members who individually compose the body.
Truths about the Church
This week we look more closely at the members who compose the Church. We can turn to 1 Corinthians for guidance in thinking about the analogy of a body as a window through which we glimpse truths about the Church. A reading of that epistle reveals a Church beset with problems and divisions. One of the points of contention had to do with understanding the place and function of spiritual gifts. Disagreement about such gifts became the background against which several aspects of the Church as the body of Christ had to be set forth.
Church unity
One of the truths flowing from the body analogy is the unity of the Church. “For just as the body is one and has many members and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ” (1 Cor. 12:12). A healthy body functions as a unit. No part of the body can go its own way and do its own thing without affecting the whole body. A wayward gland or a selfish organ that sought to detach itself and its functions from the whole would work havoc with physical health. Church life at its best is enjoyed when every member chooses to function in harmony with all other members.
Diversity
Another truth emerging from the body image of the Church is that of diversity. Bodily parts or members are certainly not all alike nor do they all function the same. The circulatory system has its function, while the digestive system has its role. Arms do not work in the same way that legs work. Concerning the Church, it is put like this: “For the body does not consist of one member but of many” (1 Cor. 12:14). Diversity describes the many bodily parts. “If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell?” (1 Cor. 12:17). The ideal for the Church is that of diversity working together in unity.
Inward focus
The Bible attaches importance to our collective unity and fellowship as members of Christ’s body. Here the focus is inward. In Christ’s body this collective belonging to one another is not merely associating with the other members. It has to do with how genuinely we seek to help one another within the Church. We care about one another because we know if any part of the body is missing or malfunctioning, the whole life of the body is affected.
Outward service
In addition to every member belonging to one another in fellowship we are to share a mutuality of service. Here the focus is outward, having to do with how we together carry out Christ’s ministry and mission in the world. We do not live simply to maintain healthy bodies. We maintain healthy bodies so we can function and be of use in the world around us. Healthy churches are not only attending to bodily health, but are striving to be Christ’s instruments of compassion and caring in the world.
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