The Church as the Body of Christ

I Cor 12:26 And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it: or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. 27 Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.

We Christians are each connected to Christ through the marvelous salvation given to us at our baptism. And as a group, Christians make up what is called the body of Christ. This has many implications, among these the fact that we are not alone.

Loneliness can be a difficult burden, especially for a person who is without Christ living for himself alone. Such loneliness often leads one to search for support in life. Where is one to find fellowship to which one can hold on to forever?

It is in Christ and in the Church. The Church frees us from the oppressive loneliness that inevitably comes to those rooted in the fleeting cares of this world. Here we enjoy communion with persons transformed by the life of Christ. The ability of one member in the Church to encourage others, the wisdom of another member and the spiritual maturity of yet another blesses everyone.

Life in the Church supports the process of Christian growth. The Church strengthens those who would otherwise be weak. It lifts us back up when we fall, helps us in overcoming temptation and spurs us on to good works and sacrifice. Life devoted to the service of the Church gives us joy in helping one another reach salvation.

Christian, is your life in the church an active one? If not, you are depriving yourself of all the church's blessings, and others lack the blessing of your participation. May we each find and fulfill our place in Christ’s body.

CTD