1 Corinthians 12:12

1 Corinthians 12:12 - The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ.

Throughout scripture we see the church compared to a body. In fact we are told that the church is the body of Christ. He is the head and we all make up the rest of the parts. Paul is talking again here about how this is true.

In comparison, let’s take a look at our bodies. We all have different parts. We have hands, feet, legs, arms, eyes, ears, nose, mouth, and the list goes on. There are many parts, but each was created for it’s own specific purpose. An eye cannot do the the job of a foot, or the ear the job of an arm. Each was designed for a specific purpose to carry out it’s own unique job. And each one’s job comes natural to it. You don’t have to tell an eye how to see or an ear how to hear.

If there is one part of the body that is not performing it’s designated function, that body is disabled. Think of a blind man, or someone whose legs do not work. They are considered crippled because the body does not work the way it is supposed too.

Now think about this concept in the terms of the body of Christ. It works exactly the same. Each member was designed for a specific purpose. They have a talent or ability that comes natural to them; something that they were designed to do. If each member is using their “gift” as God intends, the body will function and flow smoothly. But if any one member is not using their talent to help the body they are not just hurting themselves; they are hurting the whole body. That body would be considered disabled or crippled.

It is God’s desire that each person use their natural gifts to help and strengthen the body of Christ. Then the church will then be unified and function as a whole.