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I Don't Want to be Involved

by Don C. Truex

In theory, none would deny the importance of the local body of believers. Our participation, however, sometimes belies the true sentiment of our hearts. Much of this discrepancy would be alleviated if we were to truly come to understand the concept of "membership" in the body. Listen to Paul: "For as we have many members in one body, but all members do not have the same function, we being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another," (Romans 12:4,5). Membership in a local church implies much more than simply having one's name and picture in a directory. It acknowledges that we are willing to fulfill the "one another" obligations that are essential to the relationship, i.e. "love," "serve," "bear with," "admonish," "forgive," etc.

What can we do to be better involved in the local church? Let me suggest several things.

First, realize your dependence. No Christian can function effectively by himself. Just as a hand severed from an arm ceases to function and will inevitably die, so also a Christian who does not participate with the others members of the body is destined to decay and die spiritually. Sometimes you hear a brother say, "I don't need the local church. I can function just fine by myself." Really? Then you're saying you know more about spiritual health than the apostle Paul. He taught that one member can never say to another, "I don't need you!" (1 Corinthians 15:21).

Second emphasize equality. No member of a local body of believers should feel smug or superior to any other, (Romans 12:3). God designed both the physical and spiritual body so that all the members are important. The applications of this principle are legion. Member of our physical body are quick to aid any injured member, they do not ambitiously draw attention to themselves in order to protect a weaker member of the body. So also in the local church, when we learn to "bear one's another's burdens" to "bear the infirmities of the weak" -- when we do that, the body as a whole is strengthened.

Third, work for unity. God designed the human body to love harmony and hate discord. In fact, when there is discord in the human body we say that it has a "disease." The principle holds true spiritually as well. That's why Paul encourages us to endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace," (Ephesians 4:3).

Now, how healthy would the body be if every member functions just like you?

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