A couple months ago I spoke at my alma mater on the subject of God being our healer. In my preparation for the message, I had a profound revelation that I want to share.
At one point or another, everyone has, unfortunately, been sick. Thankfully our bodies are designed to fight off infections and heal themselves. When thinking of our bodies’ natural healing ability, the first thing that comes to mind is the immune system. It is true that the immune system is essential for fighting off attacks by invaders in the body, whether bacteria, viruses, parasites or fungi.
However, to think that the immune system acts alone in the function of keeping the body in optimal health is a fallacy. There are many systems that work together with the immune system including the lymph, circulatory and even musculoskeletal system. At first glance, it’s difficult to see how the musculoskeletal and immune system work together. They are completely different parts of the body with seemingly no commonalities. Taking a deeper look, the muscles actually act as a pump in order to move lymph (a fluid containing infection-fighting white blood cells) through the body. Without the muscles, the crucial lymph would never be pumped around to fight off infections. That is why regular exercise is critical to maintaining overall body health. The added muscle movement helps circulates lymph through your body.
It’s no different for the body of Christ. On the front end we may seem really different. We go to different churches and have different theological beliefs, but that doesn’t mean we can’t be part of the same body. The health of the overall body of Christ is better and stronger when we work together. You may be a white blood cell, someone else may be lymph and another person could be a muscle. The only way the body is kept healthy is when all the systems of the body work together.
On a personal note: What do you think your role is in the body? What’s one practical thing you can do to walk in you role? For example, I believe part of my role in the body is to be an encourager and exhorter. As a result, I try to encourage individuals and call people to a higher standard.
On a big picture note: Do you think it’s possible for the whole body of Christ to work together? What would it look like if we did? What do you think would happen?
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