The Body of ChristNäide

The church as the body of Christ has a number of characteristics: its members live out their spiritual unity together, exercising spiritual gifts for the good of the church, and submitting to the authority of Christ who is its head. The image of the body of Christ also helps the church understand its task and mission on earth. The church as Christ’s body becomes the hands and feet of Jesus, continuing the work and ministry of words, signs, and deeds that Jesus carried out in his own earthly body. The spiritual gifts given to the church and its members become the means by which Christ moves and acts on earth today, bringing peace, healing, and life in all its fullness to those he meets.

Just as Christ used his physical body to touch those who were considered unclean, and to serve humbly by washing the feet of his disciples, so the church today should be willing to humbly serve all who are in need. The church demonstrates the goodness of Christ through its actions and the Lordship of Christ through its worship and obedience, it is therefore through the church that the world can come to know who Jesus is and put their faith in him.

The body of Christ metaphor helps us to understand that unity in the church does not equal uniformity. The range of gifts given to different people, and the resulting variety of styles of worship, teaching, and prayer reflects the diversity of humanity and the world and gives glory to God the Creator. The spiritual unity of the body of Christ can still be demonstrated as churches and Christians from different backgrounds work together for the good of both the church and the world, prioritizing love for their neighbors and for one another over their differences.