Ephesians 4:16 He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love. (NLT)

Are you keeping the body healthy?

When pastors and ministry leaders refer to this passage, often they are trying to help you understand the church needs you and how and where you fit. They want you to feel connected to everyone. Think about all the churches you have attended. Whether you were saved at the time of your visit or not, did you feel the unity? There is a sense of agreement that should be evident in every church, ministry, bible study, etc. The unity should flow from heart to heart. Why? Because the body of Christ is every believer. The sad thing is Sunday morning can be the most dis-unified day for the believer. Not only do different denominations separate, churches within the same denomination can present a separate focus. That is why you have to be a carrier of the love of God, no matter where you go. You have your place in the body locally and also universally. You celebrate the work of Christ with all men and women who love God, even if you do not do it the same way. Paul stated in:

1 Corinthians 2:2 “For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified”. (KJV) 

Jesus Christ is the common ground all believers stand on. Your local church may be a finger on the hand of the body of Christ. We should not make statements speaking against the ear that may be in another community, city, county, state, or country. So often we attempt to show the members of the local body joined, worshipping in unity. However, we do not make the same effort to walk in agreement with the church universal. Often, we do not try to understand and love the entire body of Christ.

Mark 9:38-41 John said to Him, Teacher, we saw a man who does not follow along with us driving out demons in Your name, and we forbade him to do it, because he is not one of our band [of Your disciples]. 39 But Jesus said, Do not restrain or hinder or forbid him; for no one who does a mighty work in My name will soon afterward be able to speak evil of Me. 40 For he who is not against us is for us. 41 For I tell you truly, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to and bear the name of Christ will by no means fail to get his reward. (AMPC)

We all are to be known by our love one for another, help each other grow and be strong, and recognize we all represent God on the earth.

Please agree with me as I pray. Then ask the Lord what your prayer should be and wait for His response:

Father, in the name of Jesus, I thank You because I am a member of the unified body of Christ. I thank You for the opportunity to show Your love and receive Your love. I thank You for giving each of us a part to play. Thank You for the gifts You have given me and the gifts You have placed in the body. I repent for the times when I was not working to keep the body healthy. We all can use Your gifts individually as well as collectively, and the world will see You and accept The Father’s invitation to salvation. Help me show Your love, no matter where I go. Help me not to be bound by denominationalism, and I will not disregard someone who does not attend the same church I do or worship the same way I do. Please help me be a vessel and a carrier of Your love…

Ask the lord what he wants to say to you about today’s devotional and journal it here: