Many, but one

Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other. (Romans 12:4-5)

We ALL belong to each other. Those words should ring true in the ears of each and every one of us today. We do not live independently of each other. Were it not for those who perform thousands of tasks each day in places I don't even realize, I'd not have electricity, water, phone service, TV broadcasts, clean streets, and food in my pantry. The list could go on, but you get the drift. We live 'inter-dependently' and as such, we need to be there for each other. In terms of believers, we have a responsibility to spur one another on in this faith walk, but we also have a similar responsibility to be light in a very dark world.

Many parts, but one body. If my hand tried to act independently of my arm, it would be a freaky thing. There have been times I have sworn my feet acted on their own, tripping me up along the way, leaving me in the dust. Truth be told, I just didn't pay attention to where they were planted and that is what led to the fall! Sometimes we don't pay close enough attention to where our brothers and sisters in Christ are 'planted', leaving them vulnerable to a fall. We are parts - but we belong to each other. We should be attentive to the one closest to us, but also to those who don't yet realize how much we need one another. 

As we begin a new year, I wonder who it is God will bring across your path that needs to know they are living 'inter-related' lives with you? It could be someone you are already in a casual relationship with, greeting on occasion, but not really 'taking responsibility' to support one another. It might be you need to strengthen the relationship you have with the one closest to you. Regardless of who it may be, be there! Don't neglect the privilege of 'relatedness'. Yes, I called it a privilege. Why? God created us to belong - to be a part of a bigger thing. We need to embrace that call.

Many, but one. Seems like an oxymoron, doesn't it? There is nothing more important to our spiritual and emotional well-being than living in 'community' with each other. Don't overlook the ones God has brought across your path. You could be their closest link to Christ! Just sayin!