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The Body

“Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.”
1 Corinthians 12:27

Have you ever heard someone say, “I believe in Jesus, but I don’t need to go to church.” Maybe you’ve even said it yourself. Comments like this are usually rooted in past experiences. If someone feels disappointed, let down, or even betrayed by a pastor, church worker, or a church member, they often distrust and ultimately disconnect from the church. Sadly, too many people turn their back on the church or “organized religion” after a negative or hurtful experience. They opt instead for a private relationship with Jesus.

This may sound harsh, but a private relationship with Jesus apart from other believers is completely false and contradictory to the Bible. Now don’t get me wrong. It’s essential for all believers to have a private and personal side to their relationship with Jesus. But the personal side is deeply rooted in the context of community with other believers.

All of us who follow Jesus are now a part of a body or family that is larger and more comprehensive than our individual lives. Like it or not, we’re connected to each other. We’re not out on our own calling the shots, but rather part of a larger community following the direction of our leader, Jesus. You need the body and the body needs you. If we fail to do our part, the body of Christ suffers.

Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, as I need all the parts of my body to function properly, help me understand that the body of Christ needs me so that it can function properly. You have blessed me with gifts and abilities that the body needs. You have also blessed others with gifts and abilities that benefit me. May I not be a lone ranger but a contributing member of the body of Christ. I pray this in Jesus’ Name. Amen