Tuesday September 12, 2023

Today is Tuesday, September 12 and we are exploring what the Bible says about life together in the Body of Christ.

As a new day dawns, I seek God first. I slow down and pause to focus on his loving presence. I inhale his goodness and peace and exhale any worries or concerns. I leave my burdens to rest in his strong hands.

Pause and Pray

Blessed Lord, you are King of my heart and Shepherd of my soul. Walk with me on today’s journey. Lead me to green pastures and still waters. Guide me in paths of righteousness and fill the cup of my heart with your goodness. Amen.

In the morning I seek God and praise him with the ancient words of Psalm 42.

As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?

Pause and Pray

Paul continues his metaphor of the body throughout chapter twelve of his letter to the Corinthians. He utilizes the image of the human body to provide understanding of the Body of Christ, his church. In the following section of chapter twelve, Paul emphasizes the unity of the Body of Christ. He underscores the importance of unity in the midst of diversity. I read Paul’s sage advice to the first century Christ followers in the ancient city of Corinth. I consider how this age old wisdom remains relevant to my church family today. This is how the church of every place and time is to be the Body of Christ.

The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, 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. 1 Corinthians 12:21-27

The church is the Body of Christ and I am a part of it. Like a human body, the church has many individual parts that come together to form the whole and function as a single unit. The human body and the church body are both perfectly designed and put together by God. Every part is indispensable, everyone has a role, and every person is needed. There should be no divisions in the church of Jesus Christ. If one part of the church suffers, we all suffer. If one part of the church is successful, we all rejoice.

Ask: Where do I see the church enduring harm or suffering? Where do I see the church achieving its mission in the world?

Pause and Pray

God, thank you for giving me a special place of service in your precious Body, the church. Remind me that my presence and gifts are needed in my faith community, as are everyones. None of us are more important, no gifts are more valuable and no places of service are more essential. Make me cognizant of the suffering of others so that I can offer comfort. Help me celebrate the good work of other Christians and churches in the universal family of faith. I read the words from First Corinthians again and listen for the message you have for me.

The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, 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. 1 Corinthians 12:21-27

Ask: What image, word or phrase stands out to me when I slowly read this passage? What is God trying to say to me through these words of scripture?

Pause and Pray

God wants to speak to me this week about my role in my community of faith. In my current church home, who might I consider to be weaker or less important? Who might I consider to be unsatisfactory or less than honorable? Where do I see divisions and discord? Where is their suffering and pain? When others are honored or affirmed for their work, do I rejoice and celebrate their contribution? Do I overlook or resent the contributions of others? There are many different churches in my community. They represent different denominations, faith traditions and include various independent churches. How might I answer the above questions in regards to these other churches?

Pause and Pray

Come, Lord Jesus and reveal my deepest thoughts regarding the large family of believers of which I am a part. Teach me what it means to be a faithful member of my church home. Invite me to be in loving relationship with other Christians outside of my faith family. Show me what it means to live this life together and celebrate the blessings of Christian community. Amen.

God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way. Ephesians 1:22-23

As I leave this time of prayer, I go to enjoy the blessings of being a part of a community of faith and the Body of Christ.

Amen