What a privilege to follow Jesus Christ! Did you know that He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world (Eph. 1:4)? We have always been in the heart and mind of God. Therefore, it is wise to respond to God by accepting His unfailing love.
The Body of Christ
So, who is the body of Christ? We are those who have received Christ in our hearts, live for Him, and love our fellow man. Led by the Spirit of God, the body of Christ has Christ as its head (Eph. 1:22-23).
God provides a beautiful illustration of the body of Christ when we consider our physical body. It has many “individual members” (glands, organs, and bodily systems), yet everything works together well for the good of the whole body.
In the spiritual body of Christ, we are individual, yet we work together for the good of the whole. Romans 12:5 confirms this: “So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another” (Rom. 12:5).
And yes, the Bible goes further: “There should be no schism [division] in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another” (1 Cor. 12:25). God’s design is that we love each other genuinely, care for the needs of the other, and flow as a unit as His Spirit leads us. Let’s look at why this is important.
We represent Jesus Christ to others in the world. He continues to reach the dying, the lost, and the hopeless through us. 1 John 4:17 says it beautifully: “As He is, so are we in this world.” We bear His light in this dark world so that others can see Christ in our lives!
The Big Picture
Earlier, I mentioned God’s thoughts before the foundation of the world – yes, before time began! Why would He think of us? What were (and still are) His plans? They are to have a family. To have a body of believers who bless the world as kings and priests in the earth (Rev. 1:5-6) and also stand as His Sons (Rom. 8:14; Gal. 4:4-7). Wow! Yes, we are God’s family. We are His own.
How to Be a Family of Believers
In Ephesians 4 and Colossians 3, we receive instruction on being a family of believers. Ephesians 4:7-16 describes the gifts and the grace we’ve been given to function as a body together, edifying and building up each other. It is beautiful – God’s design and plan are for us to grow up in love as we serve Him and each other.
To fulfill God’s design, first, we must grow individually as new creations in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17). We put on a new way of life and put off the old. Ephesians 4:17-32 gives us practical teaching on living in righteousness and holiness. Our new man (new life) should manifest in how we live. In Part 2, we’ll look at how to keep under an old self that wants to rebel against God’s plans.
Also, in Colossians 3:12-21, the Apostle Paul reveals the character to be displayed in our new lives in Christ, especially in our own homes with our families. A husband covers, loves, and protects his wife and family; in turn, the family honors and submits to his leadership. Our lives flow so much better when we heed the Word of God: “Observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success” (Joshua 1:8).
I would encourage you to read and meditate on Ephesians 4, Colossians 3, and Romans 12. These chapters are foundational to your life as a new creation in Christ. Also, pray and ask God by His Spirit to strengthen you in putting off the old ways and walking more sure-footed in the new.
I would encourage you to read and meditate on Ephesians 4, Colossians 3, and Romans 12. These chapters are foundational to your life as a new creation in Christ. Also, pray and ask God by His Spirit to strengthen you in putting off the old ways and walking more sure-footed in the new.
Can you imagine the bright light that would shine throughout the world if believers yielded to God’s Spirit and lived as instructed by the Bible? Growing individually in God’s love allows us to walk collectively in this way with others. As we love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength and love our neighbor as ourselves (Luke 10:27), we fulfill the plan of God laid down from before time. Believers absolutely must learn to love, appreciate, and walk alongside other believers. Let’s look at a poignant example provided in the Bible.
Example for Us: Ruth and Naomi
Consider the story of Ruth, Naomi, and Orpah in the book of Ruth. Naomi was the mother-in-law of Ruth and Orpah. Eventually, all three women’s husbands died. Orpah decided to return to her family of origin, which she had every right to do. She assessed her individual needs and made a decision. Ruth, on the other hand, evaluated her situation differently. In her thinking, she considered her mother-in-law, Naomi. She decided to stay with her, and Ruth and Naomi launched out in life together.
The two women came into covenant. Ruth spoke these words to her mother-in-law: “For wherever you go, I will go; And wherever you lodge, I will lodge; Your people shall be my people, And your God, my God” (Ruth 1:16). From then on, Naomi shared her gift of wisdom with Ruth, who used her youth and strength to go out and glean a living for them. When a potential suitor (Boaz) arose, Naomi gave Ruth instructions on how to conduct herself. Ruth obeyed, won the heart of Boaz, and married him. All the while, she never forgot her commitment to Naomi. Ruth gave birth to a son named Obed, who is listed in the genealogy of Jesus Christ (Matt. 1). And Ruth is honored in the Bible as one of only five women mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus Christ (Matt. 1).
Please read the book of Ruth; it is only four chapters long and gives a touching account of two individuals working together to edify each other. Indeed, they embody the statement: “We’re better together.” Ruth and Naomi’s lives represent God’s design. When we, as they, exhibit wisdom, grace, and perseverance together, God looks on our hearts and lives. He blesses us individually … and also together as a body.
