Exercise

Downstairs, in the back corner, looms an exercise apparatus that is beckoning me to come. The dust that covers it reveals how long anyone has given it attention. I think, “yes I will come”, then I say to myself “Maybe later”, and finally, “No”. Back there in that dark corner waiting so patiently, is my exercise equipment. I know how good I would feel if I would get back in shape, but I don’t have the motivation to do it.

I fall into the category that many can relate “I want to get strong, but I don’t want to lift weights”. Well my knees need to get stronger, how about I just work them out? Can I get my knees strong without working my legs? Can I get my legs strong without getting other parts of my body stronger? Can’t I just omit parts of my body?

Our Body

In 1 Corinthians 12:15-16 the Apostle Paul writes, “If the foot should say “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less part of the body. And if the ear should say “because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body”, that would not make it any less of a part of the body.”

The Church Body

Do we experience the same thing in our Church Body? “For the body does not consist of one member but of many” (1 Corinthians 12:14). One part of the “body” cannot function without the other. So it is no surprise that Paul describes the church as Christ’s body. Followers of Jesus are interrelated with every other person in the body of Christ. Though each member is unique in their talents, each member is also dependent on the rest. Like interrelated body parts, church members must work together in unity and oneness of purpose to help bring about the coming of God’s kingdom.

Sometimes members of the church have a hard time becoming part of that body. It’s too easy to not get involved, to say “No” to that exercise equipment beckoning in the corner. However, God calls us to serve Him “Only fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things he has done for you.” (1 Samuel 12:24).

Exercise to Become Stronger

Well I will probably still let the dust build on that weight machine in the corner, but there are so many other things I can do to become stronger. We don’t have to train like an Olympian, but if we all contribute, no matter how much, as a Church Body we will become stronger as “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it” (1 Corinthians 12:27).

Together we can strengthen our church body, all it takes is a little help from everyone. Don’t fall into the category of “I want to be strong, but I don’t want to lift weights”. We all have something we can offer “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:” 1 Peter 4:10.

Dear Lord, help the church grow stronger with a unified exercise program. Amen.