What Is Your Role in the Body of Christ?

Praise be to the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, forever and ever.

Why is it that today we often sense that the glory of God seems diminished in our churches? We call on Jesus to heal, yet healing does not come. We ask Him to perform miracles, yet we see no signs. We pray for people to be set free, yet full deliverance seems rare. Why is this?

Is it because Jesus Himself is sick or weak? Is He disabled or impaired, unable to heal others because He is suffering? Of course not! Jesus is the eternal, almighty Son of God—He is fully capable of healing and delivering because He is perfect and powerful.

The problem lies with us. We fail to understand that as believers, we are members of Christ’s body (1 Corinthians 12:27). Each of us has a unique role, a vital function in building up this body to maturity so that Christ, the Head, may lead it effectively and with power. When Christ, the Head, leads, the body is energized to serve and to manifest His kingdom, just as He did during His earthly ministry.

The challenge arises when we think everyone must be a hand, or an eye, or a mouth—roles that are often most visible and seemingly “glorious.” We pour all our effort into those roles, thinking they are the most important because they are outwardly noticeable. But the body is not made up of only external parts; it also consists of vital internal organs—parts hidden from view but indispensable to life.

For example, if the heart fails, what good are the eyes, hands, or feet? If the spine is damaged, the entire body weakens, and a limb cannot move. If the kidneys fail, death is inevitable. But if only one foot is injured, the body can still survive and function.

The Apostle Paul reminds us:

“On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor… And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with greater modesty, which our more presentable parts do not require.”
—1 Corinthians 12:22-23 (ESV)

Not everyone is called to be a pastor, teacher, prophet, or worship leader. If you feel you cannot fulfill those roles, that does not mean you are not a vital part of the body. Perhaps you are like the heart, the kidneys, the backbone, or the lungs. Consider how you can serve when you gather with other believers. What can you contribute?

Is it by organizing and managing church schedules and programs? Encouraging and connecting partners? Giving generously of your resources? Leading children’s ministry? Providing security? Maintaining cleanliness? Leading prayer and fasting?

Whether your role is visible or behind the scenes, whether you are near or far, serve wholeheartedly and diligently—not halfheartedly.

The Apostle Paul urges:

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”
—Philippians 4:8-9 (ESV)

Don’t be content with simply attending church and going through the motions as a visitor. Over the years, you might find yourself complaining about church leadership or criticizing the church itself, but the real problem is that you have not stood firm in your God-given role. If you isolate yourself like a lung cut off from the body, you will watch helplessly as Christ’s church struggles to breathe.

Let us all change and take responsibility. Let every believer commit to their God-ordained role so that Christ’s glory may be fully revealed in His church as it was in the early days of the New Testament church. When we all come together with one mind and purpose in Christ, each standing firm in their position, the body will be complete, and we will witness mighty works performed by Him, just as He did in the early church.

May the Lord be with us. May the Lord be with His holy church.

Shalom.