What is the Body of Christ supposed to be about? The answer will most likely vary with each person.
Some people with a physically or emotionally abusive father may be unable to imagine a loving and caring Heavenly Father. People squeamish about blood or suffering may have difficulty recognizing the horror of the sacrifice Jesus made when he died on the cross. Some who do not like to be told what to do or have their choices challenged will pick and choose what in the Bible they will incorporate into their lives.
Still, the Body of Christ is supposed to be about:
•Proclaiming the good news of who Jesus is and the fact that he offers love and forgiveness to humanity
•Making disciples, nurturing them and building strong relationships among believers
•Preserving and promoting the truth of God’s message
•Maintaining the integrity of our worship, so we do not focus on ourselves or our needs in worship, but focus on God’s greatness
•Caring for the needs of God’s children
•Demonstrating the presence of God’s kingdom here on Earth.
Is this what you are doing as a part of the Body of Christ? Or is your faith all about you instead?
The Rev. Mark Broadhead is Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview’s pastor.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: FROM THE PULPIT: Your work as part of the Body of Christ