by Tony Cooper, Executive Director (for Birmingham Christian Family magazine)

BEING THE BODY OF CHRIST

Referring to born again believers, I Corinthians 12:27 says, “Now you are Christ’s body, and individually members of it.”  I Corinthians 6:19-20 says, “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God? …Therefore glorify God in your body.”

I am not sure what all of that means, but I would like to offer some suggestions.  You have heard it said that we are to be the hands and feet of Jesus, I would add that we should also be the eyes and ears of Jesus and the head (mind of Christ); having His heart of compassion and a mouth that speaks the words of Christ.

HANDS represent activity; the things we do; Godly works we perform.  Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works.”

FEET represent the places we go.  Wherever we go we are to represent Jesus.  II Corinthians 5:20 refers to us as being “ambassadors” for Christ.  Matthew 5:13-14 mentions that we are to be “salt of the earth” and “the light of the world.”

EYES refer to sight.  We are to see the needs of those around us and take advantage of the opportunity to serve (minister) to others.  In Matthew 20:28, Jesus said He “didn’t come to be served, but to serve.”

EARS represent hearing and being sensitive to the hurts, struggles, and challenges of those in our world.  Romans 12:15 says, “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.”

The HEAD suggests that we are to have the mind of Christ.  I Corinthians 2:16 says, “But we have the mind of Christ.”  We are to focus on Godly thoughts.  Philippians 4:8 instructs us to discipline our minds and think on things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praise worthy.

The HEART represents Jesus’ heart of compassion.  Colossians 3:12 says, “put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”

The MOUTH refers to us speaking the words of Jesus.  Colossians 3:17 says, “and whatever you do in word of deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus.”  Ephesians 4:29 says, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouth, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”

Let’s strive to be the “body of Christ!”