Body of Christ: Scene Five
In order to understand the spiritual Body of Christ (upper story) it’s necessary to understand the physical body (lower story) since Paul continuously used this metaphor.
… from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. Ephesians 4:16
The bones in our body are joined and held together by several types of joints for many purposes. Of course, they make us flexible, minimizing friction and cushioning the bones but they also help our body to grow by giving the space that’s needed between bones. Interestingly, there are several types of joints: hinge, ball and socket, and pivots, however, they all have the same purpose: allow the body movement, flexibility, and growth.
It’s the same with spiritual joints in the Body of Christ. As Christ, the Head, gives out gifts and responsibilities the expectation is that we work properly in order to fulfill His assignments. The Greek word for ‘joined’ is where we get the word ‘synergy’. Synergy is combined or enhanced effort that involves cooperation in order to be successful. It’s joint action that accomplishes more together than each one alone: it’s teamwork. This unified effort toward a common goal will move the church or ministry team to complete the assignment with flexibility and growth. Paul wrote that the whole body, when operating in synergy, will lay the foundation stones of love: love for each other and love for our community. Synergy is teamwork and there’s a wonderful harmony that occurs in a team that loves each other.
How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony! For harmony is as precious as the anointing oil that was poured over Aaron’s head, that ran down his beard and onto the border of his robe. Harmony is as refreshing as the dew from Mount Hermon that falls on the mountains of Zion. And there the Lord has pronounced his blessing, even life everlasting. Psalms 133:1-3 NLT
It must please God when His Body loves one another, cares for one another, and helps each joint to work properly; it sounds like the harmony within a symphony.
To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 1 Corinthians 12:7
The Greek word for ‘common good’ from that passage is where we get the word symphony. We make beautiful music when we work together under the Spirit’s guidance and gifting.
Paul was a master teacher who gave us this drama of a body moving toward the goal of the Head (Jesus) with flexibility, less friction, cushioning, and growth. When a church is interconnected through prayer, care, and concern for one another we produce a beautiful sound in the ears of our Savior.
… standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, Philippians 1:27
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