We are the Body

Romans 12:1-12

⁴ We have many parts in the one body, and all these parts have different functions. ⁵ In the same way, though we are many, we are one body in union with Christ, and we are all joined to each other as different parts of one body. ⁶ So we are to use our different gifts in accordance with the grace that God has given us. (Romans 12: 4-6(a), Good News Translation).

In the community college where I work, the medical terminology instructors use a novel way of teaching the parts of the body. Students are given a system (digestive, circulatory, nervous, etc.) and are assigned to illustrate it in an artistic fashion as a drawing or a three dimensional clay or paper figure. This requires the student to get to know both the appearance and function of each part, and more importantly, how the part works in harmony with the rest of the body. Often the resulting “art” is visually appealing and is displayed in the library.

As members of the body of Christ, Paul instructs us to act in love as we are part of a larger system than just ourselves. We are to use our gifts to serve, to teach, to encourage, to share and to lead. When we act upon our faith, we accomplish much through the gifts we have received through grace. We acknowledge that it is through Christ that we can do what he instructs us to do, to feed the hungry, comfort the grieving, teach others, and support one another.

As we give of ourselves in love, through the Body of Christ, we have the chance to grow into maturity as Christians. Through loving and serving our fellow human beings we get closer to Jesus and are able to hope with joy, to be patient in affliction, and to stay connected to God in prayer.

Written by John Lattimore