Staying connected to the body of Christ

In the book of First Corinthians, Paul uses a great metaphor of the people of God being the "body of Christ."

He writes in 1 Corinthians 12:12, 27, "the body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body.  So it is with Christ......now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it."

Here's what I know:  You are a part of the body.  And as part of the body of Christ, your own growth cannot take place without growth in others.

When  you change, the whole body changes.

That is why it is very important that you stay connected to a local church family - a local body of believers - a larger community to which you belong (and Stone Church is a place to belong).

When you go through times of difficulty, trial and even temptation, and you are walking through a season of challenge, a season of adversity, it is important that you stay connected to a body of believers (and here is the different thought I would give you) not just for your sake, but for their sake. 

Think about Jesus.

During His earthly pilgrimage he asked his guys to follow him even where they really didn't want to go.

In the journey you are taking, Jesus is with you and whether or not you are fully fully cognizant of it, you are taking your brothers and sister with you as well.

When you hurt, we hurt.  When you suffer, we suffer.  When you rejoice, we rejoice.  When you are in need, we feel that need with you.

Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 12:26, "If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, eveyr part rejoices with it."

So.......the way you react to adversity will challenge or encourage the body of Christ around you to react or not react in the same way.

That is the power of the connection we have as followers of Christ.

Just a thought for a Tuesday.