Acting as the Body of Christ?
What does it mean to act as “the Body of Christ?”
What does it mean to you? I have an idea of what it means, but does that idea
line up with the Word of God? The Word of God, you know, the B-I-B-L-E; yeah
that’s the book for me. Ok, ok, ok. I’m going to give you a story from the
gospels and then let you know how this story became alive to me and how this
scripture represents a way the Body of Christ can act.
John 21
1 Afterward Jesus appeared again to his
disciples, by the Sea of Galilee. It happened this way: 2 Simon Peter, Thomas
(also known as Didymus), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee,
and two other disciples were together. 3 “I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter
told them, and they said, “We’ll go with you.” So they went out and got into
the boat, but that night they caught nothing.
4 Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the
shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus.
5 He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t
you any fish?”
I wish I could demonstrate to you how I think Peter
said: “I’m goin’ fishin.” I imagine when he said his shoulders were dipping and
his bottom lip sticking out. Anyway the following is a story from when I was a
youth pastor and how the Holy Spirit revealed this scripture to me.
So, one wonderful night back in 2005 nearly a third
of our youth congregation raised their hands to receive salvation. I felt like
I had just given the most convincing salvation message ever and the group
responded. A THIRD OF THE CONGERGATION’S hands went up. Now our group was 21 that night and 7
kids responded but still, STILL! I was so proud. I felt like God had used me in
a mighty way and I was the world’s best preacher… until the Holy Spirit started
talking to me. Here’s the deal. The night started out pretty normal until 2
family vehicles pulled up and out poured 7 visitors and 2 regulars. When I saw
the visitors my original message went out the door and that night I laid down
the Roman Road (salvation message). All 7 of the visitors raised their hands
when I gave the invitation. When the night was finished and all had gone home
and it was just me cleaning the church I started to brag to God about that
night. That’s when the H.S. interrupted me mid-brag and reminded me of the
story of the disciples’ fishing trip. The H.S. asked me one simple question that
brought me to a humble surrender. The question was “how do you suppose all
those fish got to the other side of the boat.” Well, how do YOU suppose the
fish got there? My guess is Jesus somehow ushered them to the right place at
the right time. Whether he physically moved them there or gave a simple command,
he got them in the right place to be caught. Now how do you suppose those 7
visitors made it to church that night? They made in two family vehicles that
belonged to one precious family that attended our church. Their two girls
invited a bunch of classmates to our youth service that night. Not only did the
family bring them but they fed them too. Back to the Gospel story: You know what I don’t see in the story
of the disciples’ fishing? I don’t see Peter and the boys bragging about what great
fisherman they were. What I do see is they recognized the reason why they
caught so many fish. That night I too had to recognize (with the help of the
H.S.) why so many answered the salvation message. It was not because of my
great preaching/fishing skills but because God used a precious, precious church
family who took time out of their very busy day and ushered a bunch of
smelly/hungry teenagers to our side of the church.
By sharing this story I don’t want you to think
that I’m bashing the pulpit ministry. I’m not. I respect and believe in the
vitality of the 5 fold ministry heads found in Eph 4:11. I believe those
ministers are in place “to equip His people for works
of service [ministry], so that the body of Christ may be built up.” (Eph 4:12) I can tell you that as a minister it is
so cool to be used by God to bring the salvation message. It’s an awesome high.
But there is also a serious danger that comes with the pulpit ministry or with
any high profile position(boss, supervisor, coach, etc.). That
danger is Pride. You start to think it’s you that is the magnet and not the One
that draws all men (and women)* to Him. I believe a great way to battle Pride
is the following statement: Before you start
thinking it’s about you, you better stop and review. That night in ’05 the H.S. made me stop and
review. I’m glad He did. Now one of the greatest joys I get doesn’t come from
just preaching salvation but rather ushering people into the right place at the
right time. I get a great joy from being part of the
Body of Christ. Whether it
1st Cor 12:27
Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.
Stay Blessed Y’all; It’s Your Choice!!
Jimmy
* John
12:32 And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will
draw all people to myself.”
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