‘God wanted the different parts to care the same for each other.’1 Corinthians 12:25 NCV
When it comes to finding a church, there are so many options to choose from. Whether you love the energy of a contemporary church or the beauty of a traditional service – plus everything in between – you get to make the choice. But your individual place in the body of Christ is
. The Bible says, ‘By one Spirit we are all baptised into one body’ (v. 13 NKJV). When you accept Jesus as your Saviour, you’re welcomed into His redeemed family, and become part of the body of Christ. The Message paraphrases Paul’s words like this: ‘Each of us is now a part of his resurrection body, refreshed and sustained at one fountain – his Spirit – where we all come to drink. The old labels we once used to identify ourselves – labels like Jew or Greek, slave or free – are no longer useful. We need something larger, more comprehensive’ (v. 13 MSG). That means anybody who recognises Jesus as their Saviour, wherever they are in the world, is connected to you, and each person has a role to play in the body of Christ. God not only chose you and placed you in His body, He decided your unique role when He arranged ‘the parts…just as he wanted them to be’ (v. 18 NIV). He also gave you a set of gifts and skills to use to fulfil His purpose for your life and glorify Him. If you haven’t discovered your place or purpose yet, or feel like you don’t fit in, don’t feel discouraged – remember that God has already chosen you and decided where you fit. You have a place with God. What Now? Research some of the systems of the body, such as the skeletal system or the nervous system. As you’re researching, think about how each part works with the others, and ask God to help you discover the part you play in the body of Christ.