A Word or Two on Romans 12:4-5
Many of us like to quote Romans 12:4-5, not understanding the implications of one body. Does the bible really mean one body as it so clearly states? Yes, it does. Meaning that we are all part of the body of Christ. Some fingers, others toes, while even others eyes and ears.

So should it really matter what part of the body you are as long as you are part and not apart! What’s amazing is this, we all read from the same book, live for the same Savior, yet many in the Christendom remain isolated, separated, discriminated, and at times even threatened by our cohorts (other parts of the body).

Think about it, when was the last time you heard a sermon about how some Christian group was wrong because: they are different, don’t use hymn books, read from a different translation, color their hair green, some wear multiple earrings, while others have tattoos, and they dress too casual to name just a few. Who are we to judge personal expression? These choices as well as others are not usually (yes usually) relevant to ones coming to know Christ. Are they? And if so, then we’ve ALL fallen even shorter. Signifying an even greater need for a sacrificial (not superficial) lamb, Christ.

If we are all apart of one body is it not logical for all of us to look and act a little different. If we continue to aspire to be the head of the body, there will be no room for Christ for He is the head of the Church.

Lets try to put this into “The Bigger Picture” context. Jesus, in Matthew 9 spoke about the need for laborers. He said, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”

Then in Mark 9 we see the disciples getting tongue whipped by Jesus for stopping some of his workers. “John said to Jesus, “Teacher, we saw someone using your name to cast out demons, but we told him to stop because he wasn’t in our group.” “Don’t stop him!” Jesus said. “No one who performs a miracle in my name will soon be able to speak evil of me. Anyone who is not against us is for us.”

Did you see it, because the person was not part of their organization, they felt they where not equipped, better yet acceptable by their standards to serve the Lord.

I think it would do us all some good to read what Jesus said further on in Mark 9 starting in verse 41. “If anyone gives you even a cup of water because you belong to the Messiah, I tell you the truth, that person will surely be rewarded.

42 “But if you cause one of these little ones who trusts in me to fall into sin, it would be better for you to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone hung around your neck.”

I wouldn’t want to be in those shoes, yet many of us in the religious circle clearly are. The harsh reality is that our very own judgments can condemn us.

Who did Jesus unintentionally offend? The hypocrite Pharisees, other wise known as the men of religious acts. They had a good thing going and Jesus was attacking their long running programs. So they plotted to have him killed. The thought of “Men of God” plotting to kill an innocent man is mind numbing. Whether or not Jesus was the Messiah is irrelevant to the fact that these “Men of God” plotted to have a man killed for telling the truth and living a good life. God tells us not to kill yet they plotted and manipulated all in the name of god (yes little “g”, because they worshiped a god they created in their own little heads, not the God of the bible). I often wonder how they slept at night.

In the book of Acts chapter 15, Paul writes that when they arrived in Antioch some men where teaching that to be a true believer one would be required to be circumcised. Paul strongly disagreed challenging the men’s legalism and headed on to Jerusalem to deal with the issue.

Once in Jerusalem he was welcomed and reported everything to the church. Of course an argument broke out over the issue of circumcision. And after long deliberation, Peter stood and spoke. Verse 7, “…Peter stood and addressed them as follows: “Brothers, you all know that God chose me from among you some time ago to preach to the Gentiles so that they could hear the Good News and believe. God knows people’s hearts, and he confirmed that he accepts Gentiles by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as he did to us. 9 He made no distinction between us and them, for he cleansed their hearts through faith. So why are you now challenging God by burdening the Gentile believers with a yoke that neither we nor our ancestors were able to bear?” You go Peter!

Celebrate the diversity of God’s greatness. No two fingerprints are identical. Similar yes, but not identical. We should be able to see Christ in each of us while celebrating our unique God given differences. The differences that make up the true Body of Christ.

We all must take some much needed time in the front of the mirror reflecting. Seeing ourselves as we truly are, not as we want to be seen. Instead of comparing ourselves with others, place your self in front of Christ and see how you compare.

What are we really afraid of? God loving us and accepting us or God loving and accepting our enemies? Humble the heart.

May the Lord God find each of us acceptable (not worthy) to serve Him in whatever capacity He chooses.

God Bless