Body of Christ

  When Paul wrote his letter to the Ephesians (and his other letters), he was writing to a community of people. He envisioned a group of people who were working together and growing together into greater maturity in Christ.  They were to do this by fulfilling the roles to which Christ had called them.  Some were called to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers.  The goal of all was to prepare the community for works of service among themselves until they should reach maturity.  Their first goal was to build one another up into a cohesive unit who know the truth and live as the body of Christ.  They were to become such a unit that they could not be swayed by outside influences.  
  If we picture a human body, we realize that all parts grow at a certain rate.  In the younger years there is a great rate of growth.  In the teen years things can be a little out of balance physically as the body adjusts to greater maturity.  But what if the arms decide they are not waiting for the rest of the body to grow?  They want to grow now!  Disaster results.
  Unfortunately, I've been in churches where people were growing individually but not corporately. Paul consistently warned against this.  He was always pleading for people to get along and to grow in unity.  I've also been a part of churches where it seemed the goal was not to build one another up, but to tear one another down.  This does not help the body of Christ to grow in unity and maturity either.

  For Reflection:  Am I a source of unity or division in my church?  Am I growing together with the body of Christ or doing my own thing?  What am I doing to help others grow?

  Let us pray.  There are times, Jesus, when I have been guilty of doing my own thing.  There are times when I have torn down rather than built up.  Jesus, I want to fit better into your body.  I want to be a better member of your body.  I want to do my part - the part you have called me to do.  I want to fulfill my destiny in you.

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