When the Bible says that "you are the Body of Christ", does it mean that there is only one person in our church who is supposed to be the lungs or heart? Sometimes it seems like certain churches are in a coma, with only a few who are the heart or lungs working while the rest lays limp in the hospital bed. It also seems that, at times, the heart and lungs get annoyed with the limp appendages that just sit and get bed sores. At whom should they be annoyed? The appendages themselves? The Central Nervous System? The accident that caused the coma?
Much of the conflict in today's churches comes from that question. While many do not realize it, the conflict begins and ends with, "I'm not sure who to be mad at so I choose you". Why must anyone be annoyed with anyone? Why must the blame be placed? Why can't the few organs that do work join together to will that first little finger to twitch, or that leg to jump. Maybe, just maybe, those few organs could work wholeheartedly with the Head, who, let's face it, is the only part that can wake those arms and legs and fingers up.
Rather than EXPECT the Head to do the work, we start to think that maybe a "shock to the system" would help, maybe a cast or a brace, maybe a transplant even. All that leaves you with is a church that can only be understood by watching of the greatest movies ever, "Weekend at Bernies". It is the story of 2 men who find their boss dead, then spend the rest of the movie treating him like a puppet, making everyone believe he is alive (sounds more gross than it is).
A church can't be all heart forever. New cells need to be added and strengthened. Maybe the Head will replace all the dead tissue, or maybe He will resuscitate it. Whatever the case, it is the job of the Head. Come one heart and lungs, let's watch the Head do its work
4 years ago
4 comments:
Isn’t the body a miraculous thing, each part so varied, yet all parts come together to work as one.
The human body teaches us that a cell will work entirely for the well-being of the whole body, the common good, and all the cells are in coordination, taking their command from the head, right down to the least cell.
Every cell is needed.
And isn’t the Body of Christ just as miraculous and magnificent, in Pauls letter he says that “We are all baptized by one spirit into one body….the body of Christ”.
God arranged the parts of the body just as he wanted them to be. Don’t you think he wants the body of Christ arranged the same way… all hooked to the same nervous system, going to the same head.
What if :
I took a lighter and asked a church member to take it in their hand and light their toe on fire. Do you think they would do it ? Probably not because if their hand burns their toe, their hand is going to know the pain too, right, because they’re both connected to the same central nervous system that is connected to the same head that registers the pain.
I can’t help but think that same rule would apply in the Body of Christ..in a close loving family , if one member is feeling pain, does it not inflict itself on the Whole family…and if the body is moving in one accord as it should be why would any find it annoying or be angered to find that some parts were praying wholeheartedly on the behalf of the whole , even if it was in a different direction than others….
As for me I do not want to just EXPECT the Head to do all the work, that is why I am trying to seek God in every direction that I pray and always for the good of the Body and its members. If I was in an accident and my kidneys were failing, I would hope that the doctors who were tending me would not reject the thought of help
(like dialysis) until my kidneys were strong enough to work on their own again.
I think I understand your theory about “dragging a dead corpse around” from the movie Weekend at Bernies…but I have heard of cases where people have been in comas and because of a “shock to their system” from a voice or sound from the past that triggered them back into wakefulness and life…only God knows what works and what doesn’t…
I do believe the Head to be in control, and I will ALWAYS look there first for guidance and direction so as my toes do not become burned… and because I do not believe there are any “lone rangers” in the body of Christ and I always want to belong and be in harmony with what the body is trying to accomplish I will forever give my loyalty and support ..but, it will not always lead to agreement… I can't ask my heart and lungs not to breathe and sing when I feel led by the Holy Spirit…
It’s intent is neither criticism or betrayal only my answer to a yearning heart…
I would burn my toe if Ms. Debby asked me to.
But, would you jump off a bridge?
i agree Debby. The point I'm making is that conflict sometimes arises when we try to fix the broken parts. Christ alone is the Head of the Church.
I love the verse when He tells Peter, I will build MY church. We(especially me) get all bent trying to build up and tear down something that was never ours to build up or tear down. We are not in control of the Legos, we are the Legos.
I love it when He reminds me that it is not mine to control, I hate when He doesn't.
As for me one thing is certain, I would much rather be TRYING to work and serve the Lord, than sitting idly by with that we'll wait and see attitude....
Even we get our Lego structure( loved that analogy) knocked down it's better than not feeling Him, seeking Him, Loving Him....
You are definitly a doer Cory..your passion for God and your hunger to do His will is such an encouragement to me...I am truly Thankful for you and Bruce.....
Oh, and Josh I'm bringing that lighter to church tonight...
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