Christian community is the backbone of our faith. We are not a ‘club’ or organization. We are called The Body of Christ, indicating the beautiful complexity of each of us carrying different facets which are individually good but collectively, better because they work together.
“So we who are many, are one body in Christ and individually members one of another.” Romans 12:5
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.” Romans 12:1-8
We need other gifts and strengths to perform our own properly. We also need the body to learn and develop our characters together. Even if we think we don’t need each other, the truth is we don’t know what we need. God alone knows.
“Honor one another above yourselves.” Romans 12:10
Jesus washed His disciple’s feet as a demonstration of His heart of service which we should follow. His actions were an expression of His love. Love wasn’t a nebulous concept, it was displayed with action. Serving others doesn’t have to be complicated or difficult. You can send a text prayer or a note to encourage, Call and check in.
Jesus Himself said,
“I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be as one as we are one.” John 17:11
Satan’s strategy is to divide and conquer. Visible unity (one-ness) reveals the essence of the gospel. Disunity conveys the message Christians are no different from the world. There is a miracle in unity as it goes against our natural flesh—because humans tend towards selfishness and disunity. The world is crying out for love and connection, so we make an impact when we reflect God’s heart for each other.
Acceptance
“Accept those whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters.” Romans 14:1
“Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.” Romans 12:16
“If you show favoritism, you sin,” James 2:9
We must be considerate of others who are on their faith journey.Every member is important! Rich, poor, young, old, weak, strong, skilled, unskilled, educated and uneducated. Discrimination in any form violates the law of God’s love. We are a family under God. Christ unifies us so we can see each other as a vital part of ourselves.
Admonishment
“I myself am also convinced that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, and able also to admonish one another.” Romans 15:14
God calls us higher and sometimes we need a real friend to speak the truth and bring out the excellence within us.
How to admonish correctly:
- Speak the truth in love (Acts 20:31)
- Honor them by speaking privately.
- Be persistent and circle back to check in.
- Have pure motives. This is not about shaming.(1 Corinthians 4:14)
- Gently restore (Galatians 6:1)
Two types of admonishments:
- Preventative (we can see where this could end up and warn)
- Corrective (things have already been done and it’s time to get back on tract.)
Biblical Submission
Man basically operates out of selfish motives. He has little or no interest in helping others-except when it benefits himself. Jesus Christ Himself demonstrated Biblical submission. He made himself a servant obedient to the Father, even unto death. (Philippians 2:5-11) Believers are to follow the footsteps of Christ and submit to one another, following the way of Jesus.
What does Biblical submission look like?
We are to submit to one another in the fear of God. We can relate to one another in an attitude of submission by not demanding or commanding but by asking with reverence, respect and honor. Listening and considering the other person’s thoughts, feelings and circumstance.
Examples would be:
Christians submit to leaders.
Young men submit to elders.
Servants to masters.
Wives to husbands.
