WE ARE THE BODY OF CHRIST

Romans 12:4-5 For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another

The body of Christ is what unites all believers everywhere, and when one part of the body suffers, the whole body feels pain because we are one.  So we must stop and ask ourselves whether we are reflecting the attitude and actions of Christ or the world.   We have to determine what is causing the body pain, our attitude or our actions, and what we can do to heal the body.  Do we help the least of them, are we witnessing to the lost, look out for the widows and orphans, or focus only on ourselves?  When one part of the body is not functioning right, the rest of the body works harder to support the vulnerable parts; if not, the whole body will eventually shut down, or worst.

Colossians 1:24 Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh, I do my share on behalf of His body, which is the church, in filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions.

When the body is in pain, it gets weak and distorted; we tend to look for anything that will give us comfort, sometimes the things we choose cause more harm than good. The only thing that can heal the body is the Word of God, our faith, and our trust in Him.

Father, right now, our bodies are not operating as one; please give us unity and love for one another so Your body will be whole again.  Lord, every day the pain that separates us from You, grows stronger; help us, Lord, come together to function as one, so we may serve Your purpose.  Forgive us, Father, for our shortcomings and not teaching our children and our children's children how to go so they will not stray away from You.  Lord, please accept us for not standing up for You; and allowing them to remove You from our lives. Father, fill us with Your courage and strength so we will stand on Your Word without wavering.  Lord, thank You for Your comfort and peace when we are faced with life's storms; give us a desire for the things of the Spirit so we will not get lost in this dark world.  Lord, help us surrender entirely to You so that we can work together as one body in Christ; and become the believers You created us to be, in the name of Jesus Amen.

Artwork by Ron Watson