Day 16 — The Beauty of the Body

Day 16 — The Beauty of the Body

Scripture

“Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one

body, so it is with Christ.” 1 Corinthians 12:12-13

Writer: Noah

Reflection

In our current cultural moment, there are two concurrent ideas that may not always be the majority view, but are often present.

One is the idea that unity in society requires sameness — “you would belong here if you’re like us”, or, “you have to agree with us if you’re going to be welcome”. On the other side is the underlying individualism where people are encouraged to “go out to be and do whatever you want.”

This leads to separation and isolation. The gospel rejects both assumptions. In Christ, we are neither absorbed into a group nor isolated as our autonomous selves. We are joined into a body, whose unity does not flatten difference. The endpoint of the Bible’s story — God’s people as an interwoven tapestry from every nation, tribe, people and language (Rev 7:9) — is one where the differences bring out God’s glory in unique and

complementary ways.

In Paul’s metaphor for the body in this passage, notice that our unity is not something we create. “We were all baptised by one Spirit into one body.” (v13) Before we contribute anything … before our gifts are recognised or our cultures affirmed … we are already joined to Christ, and therefore to one another. The gospel gives us a shared identity deeper than ethnicity, cultural similarity, temperament, gifting, or background.

Precisely because that identity is secure, we are free to differ without fear. Gandhi noted, “Our ability to reach unity in diversity will be the beauty and the test of our civilisation.” He is unknowingly drawing on the deep inner desire embedded within us for the coming of the New Creation. As Christians, we know that this unity in diversity is only possible when we are reflecting our Creator — who in his very being is both one God, and yet existing in Father, Son and Spirit.

Our passages shows us two ideas:

— Your differences in personality, background and perspective mean that you have a

unique contribution to make.

Paul uses the body analogy to highlight that each part of

the church, including you, has a part to play. What are the unique opportunities that you see? What are the challenges in the church you notice? These areas might be the ones where God is calling you to be involved and contribute.

— You belong to a larger whole.

In counter to the predominant individuality of our times, the gospel challenges us to see ourselves as part of a larger family, where if one part suffers, every part suffers with it (1 Cor 12:26).

Herman Bavink notes, “The image of God is much too rich for it to be fully realised in a single human being, however richly gifted that human being may be.”

This means, you cannot be a Christian simply on your own terms. You belong to a bigger body.

How might emphasising this change your perspective and

priorities?

Prayer:

Father, we confess that we often prefer a church that fits our preferences rather than one that reflects you. We are tempted to compare, compete, or withdraw. Forgive us for treating the body as a platform for our gifts. Thankyou Jesus, that you have made us one, not by erasing our differences, but by redeeming them. Knit us together, and with the Church at large, through the Holy Spirit, so that the world may know you. Amen.

Reflection questions

1. Where am I tempted to seek belonging through denying what I believe or know to be

true?

2. Where am I hold my individuality as primary when I could be seeking to serve through my uniqueness?

3. What would need to shift in my priorities if I truly embraced that I belong to a larger

body, not just my own spiritual journey?