The Whole Body

Ephesians 4:7-13

This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ. (Ephesians 4:13)

ONE OF THE MAJOR THEMES woven throughout church history is the mystery of “all saints”—how the church triumphant (those already in heaven) and the church militant (those still on earth) fulfill their function as the body of Christ. The theme was particularly emphasized in medieval Christianity and the artistic works that came out of it, but it has been recognized in some manner or other in every era of church history. The church has never been just a movement, or just a denomination, or even just the Christians living at any particular time. It is the collective body of believers that includes the crowds of heaven, the great cloud of witnesses that now surrounds us (Hebrews 12:1), every believer living on earth, and, from God’s perspective, every believer yet to come. It is an enormous mosaic of faith and gifts and life stories that will one day compose the story of God’s redemptive and restorative work.

We are part of this epic story, and we need to live with that awareness. We are not just individuals trying to make our way in this world. We are members of an organic representation of the body of Christ, never on a solo mission, but always connected by our relationships with other believers and the Spirit who orchestrates the Father’s work. We are compelled to conform to the image of the Son, carry out his mission, and depend on his power. We are not alone; we receive encouragement and inspiration from those who have gone before us and those who are walking alongside us. We are even encouraged by the awareness that we are laying a foundation for those to come—that our ceiling will be their floor, and what we have done will set them up for greater works.

Live with that perspective, and you will rarely feel discouraged. Your fruitfulness does not depend on you. It is an investment, part of a whole, and God is bringing it forth in time.

{Father, help me think in terms of “we” far more often than “me.” Open my eyes to the majesty of your work throughout the ages. I am grateful to be a part of it. Amen.