Unique Roles, One Body

1 Corinthians 12:18-22 states,

“[18] But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. [19] And if they were all one member, where were the body? [20] But now are they many members, yet but one body. [21] And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. [22] Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary”

Paul, in verse 18, contrasts his previous statement by beginning with the word but. His point is to convey that God has placed every member in the Body of Christ according to His divine will and purpose. No member is added by mere human decision apart from God. Rather, it is God, through the work of the Holy Spirit, who moves upon the hearts of mankind to obey Him.

God is sovereign, meaning He has all power and authority to give certain gifts, qualities, and roles to whomever He desires. Therefore, we must be thankful to God simply for being members of the Body of Christ and for the privilege of serving Him with the gifts He has given us. Gratitude should be our faithful posture toward God as we glorify Him individually and collectively through the abilities He has granted us.  It is God’s Son, Jesus, who is head of the body.  Colossians 1:18 states, “And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.”  If we’re truly following Him we will remain humble in carrying out our role in serving God.

As an analogy, consider a football team. There are eleven players on the field at one time, whether on offense or defense. Each player has a specific role based on what he does best. On offense, the quarterback is the chief decision-maker. He calls the play, receives the ball, and either hands it off to the running back or passes it to one of several receivers.

There are linemen who block defenders from reaching the quarterback, running back, or receivers. These players are generally the largest and strongest on the field. There are running backs who carry the ball and use agility and elusiveness. There are wide receivers and tight ends who catch passes from the quarterback. They are often fast, athletic, and skilled at receiving the ball.

Each of these positions performs a different role in order for the team to succeed. However, no one player is more important than another, and no individual is greater than the team itself. If the linemen do not block, the quarterback cannot execute the play. If the quarterback calls the wrong play or throws an inaccurate pass, the play may fail. If the running back fumbles the ball, the play may fail. If the receivers or tight ends drop the pass, the play may fail. For success to occur, every player on offense must do his part effectively for the good of the team.

Similarly, if the church is going to succeed, each member whom God has divinely added must do his or her part according to the gifts given and the role assigned. No member is more important than another, because God, by His grace, has added each of us to the church. We should be thankful to God for being members of His body and for the opportunity to serve Him in the capacity He has chosen for us. 

Therefore, let us remain humble, serve faithfully, and give all glory to God.