The

apostle Paul tells the church at Rome, “In Christ, we, though many,

form one body” (Romans 12:5). And to the Corinthians he says, “You

are the body of Christ.” When we are saved in Jesus Christ, we

become part of the church, and each of us is a valuable member of the

body of Christ.

The

idea of being a member of the body is different from that of being a

member of a club or some other organization. You are a part of a

living body, like an eye, an ear, or a hand.

“To

each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common

good.” We are a part of the church so that, in a way that is unique

to our God-given abilities, we may contribute to the body’s health,

vigor, and growth.

In

the early church, it seems, there were two extremes. Some people

said, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body.” And

others said, “I am an eye, but you are a hand; I don’t need you!”

Some

people think of the church as a stuffy, boring club. But we are all

saved to be a part of something larger than just our lonesome selves.

Together, in the body of Christ, we can do greater things to

encourage each other in the faith and bring Christ’s love and peace

to a broken world. Discover your gifts, and use them in service to

Christ, the head of the church.