The Church is a living organism with both head and body. The head of the Church is Jesus Christ, while the body consists of all believers who together make up the Church. This can be likened to the human body, where cells come together to form various parts and organs. Each part of the body is intricately joined and mutually connected to form one complete whole. Every part of the body works together to sustain life.

In the same way, every believer who constitutes the Church represents different parts and cells of the body of Christ. Each believer is meant to be joined, connected, and actively functioning to keep the Church alive. Just as a malfunctioning organ in the human body can cause deformity or even death depending on the organ affected, so also a believer or group of believers who fail to function effectively may cause weakness or death to the Church. No cell in the human body is useless; likewise, no believer is meant to be idle or unproductive in the Church.

The Scriptures illustrate this through the teaching on spiritual gifts as recorded in Romans 12:3-6. “For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith.”

God, in His wisdom, has evaluated every believer based on predestination, faithfulness, and steadfastness, and then granted spiritual gifts to each according to individual ability. These gifts represent the believer’s divine function within the Church. This forms the foundation of the believer’s call to service.

Jesus illustrated this call in the parable of the talents as recorded in Matthew 25:14-15. “For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to every man according to his several ability, and straightway took his journey.” The master did not give equal measures but gave according to each servant’s capacity. In the same way, believers receive gifts according to the measure of grace given to them. Therefore, no genuine believer should be a mere spectator in the Church. Every believer has a role to play, and each role is equally vital for the edification and maturity of the body of Christ.

Beyond spiritual gifts received at salvation, a believer may be divinely led to perceive a vacuum or need within the local assembly. This awareness may come as a divine nudge from the Lord to take up a specific responsibility. Sometimes it may be a new member who notices a neglected area, or it may be a long-standing member whose heart God touches to assume a new role in service to the body of Christ.

When a believer grows in steadfastness and spiritual maturity, God may call him to a higher responsibility within the fivefold ministry as recorded in Ephesians 4:11. “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers.” Others may be called into supporting roles such as elders, deacons, missionaries, intercessors, enablers, sustainers, or workers in various capacities like choir, ushering, teaching, welfare, visitation, or maintenance. Every believer is mandated to prayerfully identify and function within the area of his calling, ensuring that he works according to divine guidance.

The Apostle Paul reminds us of the need for diligence and discernment in service as written in 1 Corinthians 3:10-11. “According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” Choosing to serve without the leading of the Holy Spirit can cause dysfunction and hinder the growth of the body of Christ. The head of the Church must be the one directing every member’s function.

Just as every cell in the human body is important, every believer in the body of Christ holds unique importance. No one should exalt himself above others. The various roles performed within the Church are all necessary for its vitality as a living organism. Therefore, the notion that ministerial offices are superior to other roles must be discouraged. Such thinking breeds pride, competition, and envy within the Church. It makes some believers despise their gifts while envying others, which diminishes their commitment. These are subtle strategies of the enemy to weaken the Church.

Believers must see every calling as equally important and relevant. When all members esteem their gifts with gratitude and purpose, there will be unity, deeper commitment, and a stronger sense of belonging in the body of Christ.

In line with the parable of the talents as recorded in Matthew 25:19, “After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.” Every believer is a steward who will give account of his service at the end of time. Each one will be rewarded according to the faithfulness and diligence shown in fulfilling his divine calling. May the Lord strengthen His Church to fulfill her purpose until His return.

May the Lord help His Church to cleanse herself and retrace her steps. Amen. To be continued in the subsequent posts…..

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