All Members are Unified as One Body
Scripture Passage: 1 Corinthians 12:12-26 (NASB)
For even as the body is one and yet has many members, and all the members of the body, though they are many, are one body, so also is Christ. 13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.
14 For the body is not one member, but many. 15 If the foot says, “Because I am not a hand, I am not a part of the body,” it is not for this reason any the less a part of the body. 16 And if the ear says, “Because I am not an eye, I am not a part of the body,” it is not for this reason any the less a part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole were hearing, where would the sense of smell be? 18 But now God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body, just as He desired. 19 If they were all one member, where would the body be? 20 But now there are many members, but one body. 21 And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; or again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” 22 On the contrary, it is much truer that the members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary; 23 and those members of the body which we deem less honorable, on these we bestow more abundant honor, and our less presentable members become much more presentable, 24 whereas our more presentable members have no need of it. But God has so composed the body, giving more abundant honor to that member which lacked, 25 so that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. 26 And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.
SUMMARY
Just like the parts of the human body, Paul uses this analogy to explain that Christ and his church form one body, with Christ as the head. As our body parts depend upon the unique abilities of one another, God has placed each member of the church according to His plan and desire (v.18). Each member has a unique asset to contribute to His body. All members are useful and necessary to one other. Paul adds that God gives more honor to those who are weaker, so that balance remains in the entire body. Therefore, His body must remain in unity and the community must protect and honor one another.
MEDITATION & REFLECTION
This passage beautifully highlights the individuality of the parts of the body while emphasizing the significance of unity by His spirit. Paul goes through a thorough analogy of how significant the hand is (to our physical bodies) while stressing the importance of the eye and nose. Just as it is foolish for the ear to say “they are not part of the body” because they cannot become an eye, Paul reminds the church, both past and present, of this rationale.
Sometimes, I see myself acting like the irrational ear. I see myself as the weaker member of the church and this insecurity provokes irrational feelings of stepping away from the community. As I reflect on verse 22 and 23, God graciously reminds me that even those who seem weaker in the body are necessary and He bestows more abundant honor to those who are deemed less honorable. He does this so that the body would care for one another and remain whole. I believe this applies into the seasons of our lives as well. There are seasons filled with sunshine and bearing of fruit, and seasons filled with drought and brokenness. Being in a community allows us to rejoice with one another and suffer with one another, because we are one body. Every member, regardless of which season they are in, is a vital member of the body because of the continuous communion with Christ. Being part of His body is His precious plan and desire for us.
APPLICATION
I will remember that I am a valued member of the church. I am worthy to be in a spirit-filled community and I will cast out feelings of insecurity and negativity in Jesus’ name. I will make a conscious effort to utilize my unique gifts to serve the body. For example, I enjoy being a supportive person to those who are overlooked. As Oikos starts in a couple of weeks, I will seek out the brothers and sisters who need a little more support and make a conscious effort to ensure they are heard and cared for. Also, I will not be afraid to take leadership roles if presented. I shy away from leadership roles thinking I am unworthy or reflecting on past mistakes. Instead, I will take it to the feet of Christ and ask Him for wisdom and discernment.
PRAYER
Father, you have gifted us with a body to care and aid one another. I repent for thinking lightly of your body. There are no mistakes of who composes your body, no matter how insignificant or small we may feel. Help me to remind myself that I am worthy because I am your daughter. I pray that you will allow me to utilize the gifts you have bestowed upon me to build your church. I pray for unity in the church as we love and honor one another. May the world see that we are one so that they may see a reflection of who you are.
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