Ephesians 4:16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

Don’t we all want to belong to something meaningful? I believe we do or else the whole idea of a fan base is totally wrong. Stadiums are filled with people who want to be part of something meaningful. Fans spend enormous amounts of energy, time and money encouraging their favorite sports franchises.

Why should the body of Christ be any different? In the area of energy, time and money spent it is not that much different. Where it is different is in that you are on the field of play within the body of Christ. You are not on the sidelines cheering, you are an important part of the body.

The one thing I hear more often than anything else within our local church body is this; what are my gifts and how do I use them? I appreciate that honesty much more than the new guy who shows up and announces he is a teacher. The truth within the body of Christ is that we do not decide our part. We first have to submit ourselves to Christ, then to one another.

Newcomers need to submit to the administrations of the church they are willing to join. The church has a responsibility to receive and include newcomers. My part, my role, my gifts, were identified by the members of which I opened myself up to discovery. When they got to know who I am, they made room for me, they revealed to me my gifts, talents and my place within the body.

I have often said the placing of a puzzle piece is determined by the surrounding pieces, in which we are fitted, jointly together, by He who made us and shaped us and placed His image upon us.

Colossians 2:2-3 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. ESV

Yesterday I ended my devotional with a question. Are you a member of a local church body? Being in church is not the same as being a member of the body of Christ. Being a family member, you are knitted together in love. It is within these relationships that we should practice what we have learned.

In my discipleship to my brothers in Christ, once I have established sound doctrine, imparted wisdom and seen their growth in Christ, I ask them to encourage others within the body of Christ. I do this because members of the same body have the same head, Christ. Early development in the natural needs to build on success. Growth in Christ is no different.

It is easier to encourage people to do what they know to be right, true and honest. We all need to be encouraged to do what we know in our hearts is right. Encouragement serves the body of Christ in two ways. It strengths the bonds of unity and it restores strength in parts that have been weakened by lack of use. Just as you strengthen muscles by use, members of a church body are strengthened in faith by use.

We all need to participate if our local church bodies are to grow in Christ.

John 13:35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

It begins there.