by Jerry Senn
“So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.”
—Romans 12:5
In the multi-ethnic church in Rome this would have been shocking and extremely challenging. As one body, each member belongs to all the others? This means, we are dependent on one another. Yet, when that oneness prevails those who know us are drawn to the grace of God.
To some, the church is nothing more than a snooty religious country club with traditional rituals considered sacred and mandatory for all to follow, yes, even if, blindly.
To others the church is a political action group, a pressure bloc of do-gooders, waging battle against social ills. Some view the church as a kind of low calorie dessert for any who want something nice that won’t hurt their public image.
But the church is the most powerful force for good on the face of the earth. It is light in this world’s darkness. It is salt to counteract moral diseases, and a haven of hope for those who are giving themselves to a cause. The church is made up of individuals who possess within their soul’s a powerful presence. God lives in his people. (Stedman).
God said: “I will live with them and walk among them … (2 Corinthians 6:16). Paul wrote, “For what shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 12:31).
These are extremely encouraging words for believers, but only as we find ourselves as functioning members of the one spiritual body in Christ Jesus.