For his “body” has been formed in his image and is closely joined together and constantly connected as one. And every member has been given divine gifts to contribute to the growth of all; and as these gifts operate effectively throughout the whole body, we are built up and made perfect in love.
Ephesians 4:16 TPT
The human body is a complex system of organs, tissues, cells, and molecules that work together to maintain life. Each part has a specific role, but they also depend on each other for optimal performance. For example, the heart pumps blood to deliver oxygen and nutrients to all the cells, but it also needs the lungs to provide oxygen and the kidneys to filter waste. The brain controls the activities of the body, but it also relies on the sensory organs to receive information and the muscles to execute movements. The body is like a team of players that cooperate and coordinate to achieve a common goal: health and well-being.
In the same way, the church – the body of Christ, possesses various parts to perform its work and conserve its existence. Meanwhile, each member is unique, but must be dependent on Christ and mutually on one another for proper functioning. The need for a dependence on Christ cannot be over emphasised. Christ is the Head of the body. He is the Vine from which we all sprout like branches from a tree.
God created us in own image and likeness (Genesis 1:27). And, we are made alive because He breathed life into us (Genesis 2:7). Sadly, sin led us astray, alienating us from God. However, through Christ Jesus, we can now have this life, and become a part of His body. Hence, we must continue to abide in Him and depend on Him for life (John 15:5).
Meanwhile, in human body that is functioning properly, it is the same blood that flows through every parts. Therefore, if one part would not allow the blood to reach the rest, those part would die and so, will the body. In the same way, the life of Christ, is the blood that must circulate every part of the church. As you don’t need to tear the whole body apart to see blood, so every part of the church must reveal Christ always.
Christ has given divine gifts to each part of the body. Therefore, we must ensure proper functioning of each part if we would experience the growth of the body. Christ adequately equips every Christian for a specific contribution to the church. Though some of the joints and fibres may be very small, but even the tiniest contribution makes a difference.
The church is built up and made perfect in love, as every Christian remains in the body and operates effectively with the gifts they have received from Christ, who is the head of the church.
