If We Are the Body

Series: The church as the extension of Jesus: His eyes, feet, hands, mouth, ears

“If We Are the Body” is the title of a song written and performed by a contemporary Christian group called Casting Crowns. This song touches my heart every time I hear it. "It challenges us all to be more Christ-like; to step outside the circles we are involved in and see the needs of others around us.

In the first verse the song talks about a girl who visits church. She is somehow different; maybe not as pretty, or not as popular, or not dressed as well as the other girls. The other girls at church notice her and point & laugh at her, making her feel unwelcome and out of place. The second verse is about another visitor to the church; a traveler who doesn’t look like the other church-goers. He gets judgmental glances from people and soon decides he’s better off not being there. After each verse the chorus asks,

If we are the Body
Why aren’t His arms reaching?
Why aren’t His hands healing?
Why aren’t His words teaching?

And if we are the Body
Why aren’t His feet going?
Why is His love not showing them there is a way?
There is a way.

When Jesus was on this earth, He showed us what was important. Through His example and his teachings we know how we should live and what our mission should be. The gospel that came through Christ should continue to come through his body, the church. 1 Corinthians 12:27 says, "Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it." What Christ did here on earth is now our mission because we are the body of Christ (I Peter 2:21, John 13:15). Jesus came to minister and to share the gospel. Now "we are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us” (2 Cor. 5:20).

We are challenged many times in the New Testament to be the body of Christ.

"And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased." Hebrews 3:25

"God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them." Hebrews 6:10

"Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." Galatians 6:2

"Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." Philippians 2:4

"My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you." John 15:12

In the song, "If We Are the Body" part of the chorus says, “Jesus paid much too high a price for us to pick and choose who should come. And we are the body of Christ."

Thank you Lord for the price you paid. And thank you for the opportunities you give me to become more like you. Forgive me when I follow my own selfish ways instead of choosing to do your will. May I share the message of your love by touching the lives of those who don't know. I want the grace that you have given me to make my heart sensitive toward the poor and hurting. Help me with my emotions and thoughts, as well as my decisions and actions to be a blessing to others.

Lynn Anne Hughes
Stephenville, Texas