The Body of Christ has always been one of the most fascinating and deeply personal topics of my ministry journey. Back in 1997, I felt compelled to write my first book on the subject. It was a revelation that gripped my heart, and I knew the church needed to understand its significance. Now, more than two decades later, I find myself drawn back to this mystery, seeing new layers of truth I had once overlooked.
That’s the thing about God’s Word, it’s alive. It grows with us. What seemed clear years ago now carries even deeper meaning, shaped by experience, reflection, and the Spirit’s ongoing revelation. And as I look at the church today, I realize that this message is more urgent than ever.
The Body of Christ isn’t just a poetic metaphor; it’s God’s actual design for His people. A community meant to function in unity, each person playing a vital role. Yet, I’ve seen firsthand how easily that unity can be shattered.
Back in the 90s, I was serving as the Canadian director for a denomination, and one of my most difficult tasks was dealing with church division. It was heartbreaking. I’d walk into church meetings thick with tension, believers, brothers and sisters, locked in bitter disputes. And most of the time? The issues weren’t even doctrinal. They were personal. Petty disagreements that spiraled out of control, leaving behind wounded people and fractured congregations.
It was like watching a family tear itself apart over who gets the bigger slice of pie. Except this wasn’t just about pie, it was about souls, about our witness to the world, about the enemy’s favorite tactic: division.
And the worst part? Many didn’t even realize what was happening spiritually. They thought they were fighting for “truth” or “justice,” but they were actually playing right into the enemy’s hands.
Satan thrives on division. He knows that united believers are unstoppable. So, he works overtime to stir up offense, pride, and misunderstanding. And let’s be honest, we make it easy for him.
If we truly understood what it means to be part of the Body of Christ, we’d fight for each other, not against each other. We’d recognize that when one member suffers, we all suffer. When one rejoices, we all rejoice. We’d stop measuring our worth by comparison and start celebrating the unique gifts each of us brings.
That’s why I wrote my first blog, and that’s why I’m revisiting it now. Because the church needs to wake up. We need to grasp the power of our interconnectedness, the beauty of our diversity, and the strength found in true unity.
Paul described the church, His body, as being “fitly joined together” (Ephesians 4:16), each member supplying something vital to the whole. But unity doesn’t just happen, it requires intentionality. It means choosing grace over offense, humility over pride, and love over being “right.”
Over the years, I’ve seen glimpses of what the church can be when we get this right. When we lay down our egos and embrace the truth that we belong to each other, something powerful happens. Walls come down. Healing begins. And the world sees Jesus, not through our words, but through the way we love one another.
Through this blog, my prayer is that it sparks something in you. That you’ll see the Body of Christ not as an abstract concept but as a living, breathing reality, one that you are an essential part of.
Ask yourself:
How can I build up my brothers and sisters instead of tearing them down?
Where have I allowed division to take root in my heart?
Am I truly reflecting Jesus in my interactions and relationships?
This isn’t just about personal growth. It’s about fulfilling God’s purpose for His church, His body. Together, as one Body, we have the power to reveal His wisdom, love, and glory to a world that desperately needs it.
So, let’s rise to the challenge.
Let’s be the hands, feet, and voice of Jesus. Because the Body of Christ isn’t just a mystery, it’s a miracle. And we get to be a part of it.
RJ (Rox) Nolin
For free eBook - https://payhip.com/HearttoHeartPublications