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Begin by reading Philippians 2:1-11
The Bible talks about a number of mystical unions. Genesis 2:24 teaches us that a man and woman who marry become one flesh. The Trinity – that God is One yet three Persons is another mystical union. The church is another. While a number of words are used in the New Testament to describe the church, the Greek word for body – soma, used in Romans 12:5 – offers a number of illustrations we can draw from.
Paul talks about this mystic union when he says in 1 Corinthians 12:13, “For by one spirit, we were all baptized into one body.” Regarding this mystical union, we would do well as a church to mimic the Trinity. This is the most holy and majestic of all mystic unions and undefiled by sin. There is a sweet submissiveness that we see in Jesus as He says in Luke 22:42, “Not my will but thine be done.” Jesus’ teaching in John 5 emphasizes a beautiful and mysterious relationship. It is a relationship of trusting, empowering, and glorifying the other members. While they are literally One, they are so in-sync and intertwined, that each One can be seen in the others. Jesus told His disciples in John 14:9, “If you’ve seen me, then you’ve seen the Father.”
Secondly, when considering the analogy of the church to the body, we should note that the body parts are attached. The Trinity was not a long distance relationship. Jesus existed with the Father, and on earth, we see times where Jesus removes Himself from the crowds in order to connect with Him. Churches where interactions only occur on Sunday mornings will never achieve true unity. Unfortunately, in suburban America, where we are spread out, we miss out on the tight community aspect on which the early church thrived.
Your office may use the phrase, “keep relationships professional” or “maintain a professional distance.” This should not be applied to church. Our church relationships are not supposed to be professional; they are supposed to be personal. Fellowship is key to building relationships. Relationships are key to building unity.
Third, because the body parts are attached, one movement affects the entire body. For example, consider what happens when you get embarrassed. First, your ears send a signal to your brain, then there’s a tingly sensation that makes its way through your body, followed by your cheeks and ears getting red, and then you start sweating. One sensation and movement affects the others. While we could talk in depth about the consequences of sin on the Body of Christ, let me focus on the positive effects this has.
Since September, I have been working out, nearly five days a week. It has had a tremendous effect on my body. My muscles have gotten larger, fat has burned off, I have more stamina and energy, and I’ve been less prone to illness. Did you know that when you work out, you may tone one area of the body, but you burn fat all over your body, not just in the area that is getting exercise? When you spiritually exercise (walk with God, pray, study, train, and use your spiritual gifts), you are toning yourself as a member of the body of Christ. However, you will influence and impact the entire body. If you’re active in the church, your personal walk with God will affect the ministry you’re involved in as well as the people you minister to.
While entire books have been written about unity in the Body of Christ, let me leave you with this thought. You can’t force unity. Like the movement of a body, it’s natural. However, muscles need to be exercised in order to develop and grow. First, we need to be personal living sacrifices and walk with God. Secondly, we need to spend time with each other and let those relationships grow. That doesn’t mean more church activities per se. It might just mean hanging out. Let me encourage you to invite a church family over or out for dinner once every week or two. As we build those relationships, we will be desirous to look out for the best interests of each other. At that point, unity is inevitable.
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