Just A Member?

Not all members of society are contributing members. Those who are not end up being supported by the rest of society either financially or through acts of volunteerism. Certainly there are some members of society who are unable to contribute as much as they would like due to either physical, mental, or other limiting disabilities. However, I know even some of them who eagerly contribute what they can. The worst disability keeping some from being contributing members of society is the refusal to accept the personal responsibility of being an active member. Such become a drain on society.

Just as there are both active and inactive members of society, sadly it is also true within the church. Let us remember that the Lord’s church is described as His Body ( Colossians 1:18 & 24) of which He is the Head. ( Ephesians 5:23) As Paul wrote to the church at Corinth, seeking to bring these Christians into greater unity with one another, he presented a marvelous analogy of how the members of the physical body are to work for the MUTUAL BENEFIT of the whole and how that is to be the same expectation within the Body of Christ, the church. (read 1 Corinthians 12:14-27)

To consider the physical body, what would be the impact if the arms and hands desired to be considered members of the body while only hanging limp, doing nothing? The body might be able to move about, but be unable to accomplish very much. Or suppose the legs decided they wanted to be considered members of the body, but not in an active sense. Such would mean the body would have to crawl or drag itself along causing activity and work to be greatly impeded. What if the mouth decided it wanted to be considered a member of the body, but no longer wanted to eat? We know the body would begin dying due to lack of nourishment.

We could go on with the analogy, but to consider such an attitude with regard to being a member of the Body of Christ, can we see the implications? The body (whether we are referring to the physical body or the Body of Christ) is healthiest when each member is actively doing its part for the MUTUAL BENEFIT of the whole. To refuse to do that is to discourage and impair progress, even draining strength from other members.

Writing to the church at Ephesus, Paul exhorted…
“(15) Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, (16) from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, WHEN EACH PART IS WORKING PROPERLY, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.” ( Ephesians 4:15-16 ESV)

Just a member? How can one truly consider themselves a member if there is no activity? To have heard the Gospel of Jesus and responded to it in belief ( Romans 10:17; Mark 16:15-16; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4), repenting of sins ( Acts 17:30-31), being willing to confess Jesus as Lord ( Romans 10:9-10) and submit to baptism for the forgiveness of sins ( Acts 2:38; 8:36) and being united in Christ ( Colossians 2:12; Galatians 3:27) is all good, right, and necessary. However, that is just the beginning of our life response to the privileges of salvation made possible in Christ. Our active walk in this new life in Christ ( Romans 6:4) and our work to His glory and our fellowship with one another (note 1 John 1:7) continues.

As a member of the Body of Christ we each have a responsibility with regard to aiding the spiritual health of the Body. Doing otherwise is to be a sick member in need of restoration. Refusing to contribute individual abilities, encouragement, energy, money, presence, time, etc. is to take away from the health and strength and work that could (should) be taking place. If we truly have a connection with the Head of the Body (Jesus Christ) that logically implies a connection with the other members of the Body. May we give serious consideration to the MUTUAL BENEFIT we are responsible to contribute. Such action will strengthen the church and glorify the Lord Who purchased us for Himself by His blood.

Have a great day ENJOYING THE BLESSING OF TRULY BELONGING!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Involvement