BEN F. VICK, JR.
The word "church" is used in three senses in the New Testament: universal, local, and the assembly. When Jesus said, "I will build my church," he was speaking of the church universally (Matt. 16:18). When John wrote the Revelation to the seven churches of Asia, he referred to seven local congregations (Rev. 1: 11). Paul also applied the word “churches” to the worship assemblies (1 Cor. 14:34).
In making a comparison, Paul called the church the body in Colossians 1:18 and Ephesians 1:22-23. In these two passages, he was speaking of the church universally. The same is true in the following passage: “There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” (Eph. 4:4-6.)
However, in other places, the metaphor is used of the local congregation. For instance, Paul said to the saints at Rome: “For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.” (Rom.12:4-5.) It is also employed in writing to the church at Corinth. See 1 Corinthians 12:12- 30.
Writing to the saints at Corinth Paul said, “But now are they many members, yet but one body.” (1 Cor. 12:20.) He was comparing the local church and her members to the physical body and its members. In a sense, there is unity in diversity, as described by Paul in this context. We are one body locally, but each member of the one body has a role. Some in the church were under the false impression that to speak in a miraculous language (without having studied the language) was a superior spiritual gift. Paul wrote to correct this misunderstanding by pointing out that each member has a purpose and a work to do. Just as a well-oiled machine has various parts to keep it running, so it is in the church. Each member has a part to play in the local church. This is true with the physical body. The supposed beautiful parts and not-so-beautiful parts have a role. When one of our physical members does not work well, what happens? The body does not function, as well. Listen to the inspired apostle Paul:
For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. And if they were all one member, where were the body? But now are they many members, yet but one body. And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked: That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. (1 Cor. 12:14-27.)
The local body of Christ needs each member doing what he or she can to build it up. Not all can preach; not all can lead singing; not all can lead a prayer; not all can make announcements; not all can teach a class; not all can do physical labor around the building; not all can get out and visit the sick or shut-ins; not all can prepare a dish for a family in need; not all keep the financial books, not all do a variety of other things. However, each of us has at least one talent that we can use for the cause of Christ.
I appreciate the number of members of the body at Shelbyville Road who are willing, able, and involved in the cause of Christ in various ways. Those who are willing to step in and preach, lead singing, make announcements, lead prayers, teach Bible classes, send cards to newcomers to the community, visit the sick and shut-ins, count attendance, get our tech stuff up and running (and keep it running), and many others things which make this a functioning body of Christ. Have you ever wondered: Would I be missed if something happened to me? I can look back on members who have passed to their reward or those who have moved away, and I think we miss them.
These are challenging times with Covid-19 and our not being able to meet as we once did. But I am so thankful for those who have come into the auditorium or have been in our parking lot services. I am grateful for those who have watched our services on Facebook because they could not get out. I am built up by those who continue to give as they have prospered each Lord's day, or who make up their contributions when away. I think we have continued to make our budget despite the difficulties.
Changing the metaphor somewhat, just as the marathon runner exerts every muscle in his body to finish the race, let each of us, regardless of his role, continue to strive together for the faith of the gospel.