The Light of the World, Part 2Sample

Throughout the New Testament, authors use metaphors to help us better understand how God relates to his people. Yesterday, we looked at the family metaphor: The church is the family of God: a multigenerational, multicultural bond that unites all believers!

Today we’ll read about another metaphor that helps us understand how God designed the church: the comparison between the church and the body.

Just as our bodies are made up of different parts that function together, God has given each individual a unique role that helps the church function. Think about how different our body parts are: An ear has a different role than a leg; a hand works differently than a heart. Some features are big, and others are small. Some can be seen, while others work unseen. Yet they’re all essential to the body’s functioning and wholeness.

The church body is the same way. Each of us, no matter our status, gender, or ethnicity, is part of the same body of believers. It’s our differences that make us function together so beautifully! In the body of Christ, we all have different strengths, weaknesses, and abilities, and by God’s design, we cooperate to build each other up and live out our calling as the people of God.

The idea of diversity and unity was radical 2,000 years ago and is still radical. For a group of people, unlike in every way, to function as a whole and experience unity is only made possible by the perfect love of Christ. Our churches are still imperfect reflections of that perfect love, but we can choose to play our part in the body of Christ.

Read: 1 Corinthians 12:12-27

Reflection Questions:

1. What does God’s design for the church reveal about who God is and what he values most?
2. Do you know what role you play in the body of Christ? Ask God to show you how to use your unique strengths and personality to build up your local church. If you have no idea where to start, ask a close friend or your leader to help you figure out your strengths and how to use them to serve others.