Heads, Shoulders, Knees and Toes, Knees and Toes

Scripture: Ephesians 1:23 "which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all."

Observation: We are called "the fullness" of Jesus. Does this mean that we, the church, are the picture of what Jesus is doing? Or that we are the reward that He received for the work done in Him? I think it likely means that the church is the summation of the work that God began at creation and that Jesus finished at Pentecost.

Application: All the application of the "body of Christ" picture can give! But what new application will God reveal to me today? Or rather what bit of "wisdom and revelation" may He show me?

What am I doing? Every part of the body of Christ does something? It never considers what its purpose is. It just works where it is in the place that it is. It does what comes naturally to it (not in the flesh but rather what the Holy Spirit would direct in whatever place it is found). So again what am I doing where I am found? How am I displaying the body of Christ? Where can I work (Eph 2:10)?

What about those around me? I must encourage the members of the body to grow in their faith and to serve their purpose as well. From injuries I've learned that many parts of the body effect the other parts. Weak abdominal muscles and tight hamstring muscles cause lower back problems. Likewise, an injury or weakness in a hip, knee or foot can cause serious damage to the other foot or leg, or even upper back and shoulders or neck, as they try to compensate for the failure of that other member. The harm increases if the problem isn't dealt with. My body was created to work in harmony and unity. The body of Christ is no different. That is why the individual members of the church of God can have so many problems when they do nothing but do bible study and pray for themselves. The arms and legs cannot be only for themselves. They certainly cannot have disdain for other members.

Of course they can't.. they're arms.

Prayer: Father, I want to do the work that you have for me, but I have all these feelings of doubt and what seem to be roadblocks. Are You trying to hold me back from doing something or are You calling me to follow through adversity? Am I just needing to go? I see the example of the 70 who returned amazed and surprised at the fruit of their trip. By faith can I go out knowing that I'll return amazed at what You do?

Also, help me to remember that I am a member of the body of Christ. I know that a body can only reach its healthiest state when the parts of the body help the other parts do their job.

Holy Spirit, please reveal to me where I can encourage a brother or sister in Christ in the work that You have for them, or even just in the spiritual abilities that You've gifted them with. We all have to do our function. That will bring You the most glory and us the most pleasure, joy and peace.

Jesus, thank you for dying for me that I might live in You. I love You. Amen.