Missing Parts

Ephesians 2:20-22 (MSG) ~

God is building a home. He’s using us all—irrespective of how we got here—in what he is building. He used the apostles and prophets for the foundation. Now he’s using you, fitting you in brick by brick, stone by stone, with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone that holds all the parts together. We see it taking shape day after day—a holy temple built by God, all of us built into it, a temple in which God is quite at home.

What a beautiful word picture.  God, the master mason, uses us as bricks and stone and fits us together into a holy temple.  No matter what your gifts, talents or personality, you fit snugly into this building and He is creating a masterpiece where He will dwell.

That is why we need the body of Christ.  There are so many lone rangers out there.  People who think they don't need the church or don't need other Christians.  Yet, verse after verse in scripture says the opposite.  We are all necessary in order for this building to exist.

Another picture painted is that of a physical body with all the parts working together.

Ephesians 4:15-16 (HCSB) ~

But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into Him who is the head—Christ. From Him the whole body, fitted and knit together by every supporting ligament, promotes the growth of the body for building up itself in love by the proper working of each individual part.

We can't go it alone as a part of the body.  The hand or foot won't work without the head.  The tendons can't hold up the rest of the body without the bones.  The veins won't send blood throughout the body without the heart.

In this day and age, and in a reaction against the legalism of the past, people are forsaking the body of Christ.  I hear so many say, "I don't need to go to church to be a Christian."  That is true.  Faith in Jesus Christ alone is what saves you. 

But what makes you grow is being part of a local body of Christ where you can be challenged and stretched and encouraged.  Watching a television preacher will not allow you to use your gifts to serve others.  Staying home won't help you work through getting along with others in the body.  Skipping church on a regular basis won't help you to grow.

We need each other.  If there are bricks missing in a building, it won't stand for long.  If part of the body doesn't work or is missing, you are considered handicapped or disabled or sick.  Let's work together to be healthy and whole!