If We Are The Body

Do you ever wonder about the role you play in God’s plan for His work in the world?  Do you think, for some reason you, or someone around you, can’t play a part?  On any given day, I’m sure I have at least one opportunity to make a positive difference.  The question is, do I?

Today, we’re enjoying another song from Casting Crowns.  They certainly take up a good share of my music library, as their gifts speak beautifully to our life experiences in a pretty impactful way.  This tune, “If We Are The Body” is not only a great depiction of the things Jesus calls us to do as a part of Him, but it speaks to the little moments in our day when we may not be at our best (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kAWeHo8E70E).  It challenges us to think not only about the big things we do, but more importantly, these many little things we do or don’t do when given the chance to be the difference.

“It's crowded in worship today
As she slips in, trying to fade into the faces
The girl's teasing laughter is carrying farther than they know
Farther than they know”

How many times have each of us participated in that indirect hatred of ridicule or mocking; disdain or indifference?  In our society of “judgmentalism”, where we see entire genres of television shows dedicated to pointing out the flaws and faults of other, it has become almost an acceptable second nature to place or remove value based on our skewed perception of what and who is “good”.

“A traveler is far away from home
He sheds his coat and quietly sinks into the back row
The weight of their judgmental glances
Tells him that his chances are better out on the road”

Where do you think the “back row” is?  More often than not, it is our own places of worship.  Oddly enough, the church pew can sometimes be the most painful and unwelcoming place for those we have decided aren’t worthy of a seat at God’s table.  But when Jesus described us as the “body of Christ”, He called us to something different.

“But if we are the body
Why aren't His arms reaching?
Why aren't His hands healing?
Why aren't His words teaching?”

Each of us has a role in continuing the work Jesus.  And I’m not just speaking about those of us who call ourselves Christians and consider that we are doing His work.  Those whom we too often consider to be on the outside because of how they look, what they believe (or don’t believe) or where they worship are also a part of The Body.  Did Jesus wait until Saul realized he was headed down the wrong road to appear to him?

“Jesus paid much too high a price
For us to pick and choose who should come
And we are the body of Christ”

Christ came to Saul while this Pharisee was still out there persecuting and killing.  After Saul was transformed to Paul, he wrote about how each one of us are an important part of the body of Christ.  Each person brings something different, something of value.

“ ‘The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!”  On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.  Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.’ “  (1 Corinthians 12:21-27)

The Greek word “Christ” is synonymous with the Hebrew “Messiah”.  Both words represent the “one” who was to come and redeem the world, bringing God’s work to completion.  Why should we think that this work could only start and finish with one man?  Jesus’ sacrifice, death and resurrection was only the beginning.

“And if we are the body
Why aren't His feet going?
Why is His love not showing them there is a way?
There is a way”

So, today, how will you be the Body?  How will you recognize the part each of us plays?  When you look at that person whom you might normally write off as unimportant, or seemingly working against God’s work in the world, embrace them as a part of the same Body in which you reside.  For, there was a time…and there may be a time again…when you feel like an outsider, and Jesus, in that person, will welcome you in.