CHURCH MEMBERSHIP (11)

The church is a body.

Romans 12.4,5. For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. We are all so closely and spiritually connected to Christ and to each other that we are called a ‘body’. We each have a part to play for the good of the whole body. We each have spiritual gifts that we use to build up the whole body. That is why sleepy, distracted or inactive Christians makes the rest of the body unwell, too. Each must play his part. You go into training – it requires self-discipline. Paul says to Timothy: Train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs. But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him. An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops. Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.

Being a member of the Body, means you must pull your weight – you cannot be a passenger – your spiritual muscles must work for the good of the whole body. If you have a speaking gift – use it! If you have a serving gift – use it! And do it all to maximise the glory of Jesus Christ.