Now You are the Body of Christ

“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.” ~! Corinthians 12:25-27

I’ve read this verse many times, but today, it touches me deeply, like I’m seeing it for the first time. If Christianity truly believed this, then there would be one church, not 41,000. Yes, you read that right. The latest Christian denomination count globally is 41,000. And I’m willing to bet that every one of them thinks they have the correct doctrine.

I heard of a church that split because an argument over the location of a coat rack; of churches who have been divided over music styles or AV equipment. It is heart-breaking. What kind of witness is this to unbelievers? Who would want to join something that can’t agree on anything?

There are serious issues, arguments over scriptural interpretation. Yet, is Paul not telling us that we are ONE? How do we reconcile? How can we, as believers in Jesus Christ, swallow our differences? Should we? The Bible says we should. It seems impossible.

Perhaps we start in our own church, rallying together to laugh and cry, to dispel competition and division. Pray together and for each other. THAT is possible - the Holy Spirit will make it so.

“There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—” ~Ephesians 4:4

“For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—and all were made to drink of one Spirit.” ~ 1 Corinthians 12:13

Help us, Lord Jesus!