We Belong To Each Other

 

“For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.”

—Romans 12:4-5

One of the joys of being a “Christ’s-on” is that there is an enormous fellowship of believers. This fellowship exists within the local expression of the Body of Christ, the church. It also exists in a gigantic expanse of individuals within the Body of Christ, the Church—that is to say, the body of all Christian believers.

We sometimes focus on our particular denomination. Some even think that their particular denomination is the only valid expression of Christian theology. They may be right. Or, they may find out when they stand before Jesus that neither they, nor the countless other denominations, got it exactly right.

I prefer to think more globally about the Church and celebrate those beliefs that we have in common with each other. I was raised in a relatively narrow expression of Protestant fundamentalism. I am ever so grateful for that upbringing. But, along the way of my life, I have found sweet fellowship with believers from many, many other denominations.

I am grateful that God has brought into my life deeply committed believers who worship in a whole host of various denominational traditions: Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and an extensive list of Protestant denominations. We all share a common faith in the life-transforming power of the Lord Jesus Christ. He is our Savior and Lord. No matter what other differences our various denominations may have imposed on our beliefs, we have a strong foundation of common ground in the very person of God’s precious Son.

So, when I read what the Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 12:4-5, I cannot help but rejoice:

For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.

We belong to each other because of Jesus. We have one faith, one Lord, one baptism, one God—in three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—Who loves us with His unfailing love. I don’t know about you, but I’m glad I’m a part of the family of God.

 

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