The centre of it all #5

"So we, numerous as we are, are one body in Christ and individually we are parts one of another [mutually dependent on one another]." Rom 12:5 Amp

Isn't it strange how we seem to struggle with God's view of the church. Since our lives are so full of hierarchical structures (and we always seem to be bottom of the pile) we think that the same rules are in operation in the church; Pastor Andrew, he's the boss etc. This idea eventually disables us because rather than Christ being the in the centre of the church he becomes something like it's company director way off in the corporation's heavenly boardroom!

When Paul described the church as being like a body he meant it functionally not just metaphorically. Every part is mutually dependent (not better) than the next. We are reliant on each other; the eye may see where we are going but we need feet to get there. And the foot isn't going anywhere without the brain sending electric pulses to the leg muscles, and the muscles themselves won't be doing anything unless the heart is pumping blood to them. But that wouldn't be any good unless one of the other organs [I forget which] cleans the blood first and the lungs add oxygen.
So, reading the above, put it in a hierarchy!
You can't can you, because each one is needed no matter how small [or unseen] their role is. If one part is not doing it's task the body stands still, disabled.

We each have different roles to play, and this should be celebrated. Some are 'front line' like Pastor Andrew, others may often be forgotten about but without them we come to a halt. Therefore cleaning the toilets is as important as preaching the Word of God. How?! Well, if no-one ends up cleaning the toilets then eventually Pastor Andrew will pick up a cloth and spray and start wiping the urinals and this will inevitably be time which he would have spent studying God's Word [prayerfully]. As a result his preaching will be limited by the toilets. Therefore someone offering to spend half an hour cleaning the toilets each week is actively releasing Pastor Andrew into his ministry that fantastically impacts our lives each week. No-one may notice this but the effectiveness of God's word is in your glove covered, cloth filled hands. As a result you will radiate Christ (just check out Stephen in the beginning of Acts!)

When we realise this Christ becomes the centre, we all start to serve him (rather than working to the pastor) and we begin to support one another in a fresh and liberated manner. We are equals with different roles, and it is important that we fulfil these roles because whether we realise it or not we are all dependent upon you [and me, and whoever else is reading this, and perhaps those who aren't].

"There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." Gal 3:28