Due to Thanksgiving Day, this will be the final devotion for the week and possibly the end of our work with Dietrich Bonhoeffer for now.
The church is one; it is the body of Christ. At the same time it is the multiplicity and community of its members. The body has many members, and each member, whether it be eye, hand, or foot, remains what it is...
The unity of the church-community gives identity and meaning to each individual and to the community as a whole, just as Christ and his body give identity and meaning to the church-community.
Bonhoeffer goes on to say that it is the Holy Spirit that does this creating of the community. Though we are so different and have so many gifts, it is the Holy Spirit that binds us together into the one body with Christ as the head. When we utter the words Lord, Jesus, we are making note of who it is that gives us a way to move through the world no matter what part of the body we may be. Therefore, anyone in the church-community has a place and a much needed purpose for the welfare of the whole. Yes, we are very different from one another. Yes, we are able to see the gifts of some and not the gifts of other. And yes, in the midst of the differences and our less than perfect sight, the Holy Spirit is that promise of everlasting creativity that keeps the church-community fresh and renewed and faithful and together!
Connection: You are who you are and so is your neighbor in Christ. Therefore, honor your neighbor and honor yourself. We are each a part of this new age of the Christ and we are in need of all the parts as we walk through this day together.
Come, Lord of New Life, and shape us into your whole body. When we doubt what part we each play within your blessed Reign, remind us of who leads us and who shapes each breath we take so that we together become the living witness to your gracious Reign. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment