For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all others. – (Romans 12:4-5, NIV)
Each of us has one body, and that body has many parts. These parts don’t all do the same thing. In the same way, we are many people, but in Christ we are all one body. We are the parts of that body, and each part belongs to all the others. – (Romans 12:4-5, ERV)
For in the same way that one body has so many different parts, each with different functions; we, too – the many – are different parts that form one body in the Anointed One. Each one of us is joined with one another, and we become together what we could not be alone. – (Romans 12:4-5, VOICE)
I love the comparison of the body of Christ to the human body. As one who is extraordinarily visual, this makes so much sense. We all have different strengths and talents, are all are called to be who God created us to be. Personally, I can think of people in my community that are the eyes, the ears, the voice, the heart, the lungs, the hands, the feet, the circulation system, the nervous system, and so much more. Some inspire, while others bring comfort and peace. Still others serve, and others are ready to go wherever there is a need. There are the listeners, the observers, the communicators, and so on. Each part needs the other, for not one of us can do all things alone. Not only is there strength in community, but there is a sense of being more complete when we join together. God has created us for such community wherever we go. I see this at work as a teacher, in the gym as a coach, in our household as a family, and of course in church as a congregation. In each arena, there are different parts with different strengths. The more we work as a cohesive unit and depend on one another, the better we are together. Because we are all flawed and broken, this is not automatic nor without challenges. Different strengths and personalities with unique ways of doing things means all things are not perceived in the same way. However, when united for a common purpose or for the greater good, we can persevere and keep moving forward together. May we ever seek the Lord and His wisdom and strength so that we are willing to rise up and be who He has created us to be in our communities.
We are one body,
called forth to unite;
when joined together,
there is great delight.
For each with purpose,
and strengths meant to share;
more is accomplished,
and handled with care.
Lord, help us rise up,
in who we’re to be;
lead us and guide us,
as Your family.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You have hand-crafted each of us with different strengths and talents. Thank You that we are each made for community. Thank You that we all are designed to fill a different part to make the body complete. Forgive us for the times that we have held back from what You intended for us to do. Teach us to trust and listen to Your leading as we seek You and invest in our communities. Show us how to live and love according to who You made us each to be. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we operate in our strengths, celebrate those in others, and work together as a body for You. Amen.
© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present
Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. – 1 Corinthians 12:12
Revelations In Writing 