“For even as the body is one and yet has many members, and all the members of the body,
though they are many, are one body, so also is Christ.” 1 Corinthians 12:12
Many faith filled believers throughout time have read, memorized, and quoted this scripture. There is comfort in knowing that we are all in this journey of life together and we all have various gifts that make us stronger together. However, do we actually follow what we believe?
In recent history denominations have infiltrated Christian society and has divided the body more than anyone really cares to admit. The difference between denominations has driven many people to the extremes: all music is demonic, you have to speak in tongues (a heavenly language) to be saved, baptism must be full-emersion. These many difference that arise in different denominations further drive a wedge between the original body that was originally formed in the person of Jesus Christ.
The church as we know it is changing! Connection is through a Facebook page or a YouTube channel, not a Sunday morning gathering. In many ways, this medium has broken down denominational lines whether we believe it or not. Our churches are focusing on teaching the message of the gospel and not so focused on the teachings of the tradition and practices that distinguish who we are as Pentecostal, Baptist, Catholic, etc. The church being confined by a building is dying and it has been long before our current world situation.
As difficult as this is for many of us to hear and acknowledge I find hope in all this. Hope that we are slowly returning back to the body that Jesus intends. Hope that many people regardless of their personal doctrines will be widely accepted and accepting. Hope that church on a global scale can flourish once again.
We all have differing views, and those are not meant to separate us, but to show how we need each other. Like this chapter mentions, does a foot get jealous of the hand? Does the arm wish to be a leg? No! We all are different, but come together as one. Just as we are called to come together as the body of Christ. Not the body of Pentecostals, but of Christ.
So whatever you believe, hold on to it. Let your beliefs, and ultimately God, guide your life. But, don’t let it stop you from gathering with other believers and being the body. We are all needed to build the Kingdom of God.
