body of christ

Fly leaf has a song that is both beautiful, and heart pumping on my ipod...has got me thinking. Here's the lyrics:


Beautified diversity
Functioning as one body
Every part encouraged by the other
No one independent of another
You're irreplaceable
Indispensable,
You're incredible
You're incredible

Beautiful bride
Body of Christ
One flesh abiding
Strong and unifying
Fighting ends in forgiveness
Unite and fight all division
Beautiful bride

Strengthen your arms now
Train your fingers for battle
Urgency's here now
Train your fingers for battle
Fighting this violence
With your feet wrapped in peace
Sad tears and silence
Now screams of joy
Victory

Beautiful bride
Body of Christ
One flesh abiding
Strong and unifying
Fighting ends in forgiveness
Unite and fight all division
Beautiful bride

Beautiful bride
Body of Christ
One flesh abiding
Strong and unifying
Fighting ends in forgiveness
Unite and fight all division
Beautiful bride

We're not gonna fall and forget
How far you went to pick us up
If one parts hurt the whole body sick
If one part mourns we all mourn with Him
Rejoice, we'll sing with you
Hallelujah,
Hallelujah,
Hallelujah,
Hallelujah

Beautiful bride
Body of Christ
One flesh abiding
Strong and unifying
Fighting ends in forgiveness
Unite and fight all division
Beautiful bride

Beautiful bride
Body of Christ
One flesh abiding
Strong and unifying
Fighting ends in forgiveness
Unite and fight all division
Beautiful bride


THis has got me thinking as the church as a whole and the people that encompass it. She can have so much beauty and potential- but her faults and ugliness have gone unchecked it seems by her fellow counter parts. There are people who think the church is a place to go. A place to be on Sunday any other specific night. When in fact it is the people, the church is the bride of christ and are to function as his body on earth- His hands and feet. But like many skeptics have pointed out- what's the point of Christianity- when you can't tell the difference between one who claims it and one who opposes? The constant struggle of life is between the spirit and flesh. None are perfect. However it seems to me that the attitude of the church is to not even confront her faults. A gloss veneer may look nice, but it won't last nor does it replace the blemish it's placed over.

One of the purposes of the physical church is accountability. To sheperd and if neccessary correct one another is primary function that must be done out of the love of Christ. 15"If your brother sins against you,[b] go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. 16But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that 'every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.'[c] 17If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector Matt 18:15-17 Many issues are not addressed and left to rot. This has caused many a church or spirit led effort to be quashed. Pretending nothing is wrong- doesn't make the problem go away. We are ment to confront and fight princibles that go against the the testimony and laws of Christ. Many today have gone to sleep or given up this purpose for comfort or for the sake of keeping the peace. This a a falsehood used to destroy the fabric that binds us to Christ as his body, his bride. 12The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. 1Corinthians 12 :12 Every person has a purpose to fulfill. But many are not willing to do the labor or sacrifice asked to achieve it. 2He told them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Luke 10:2

Yes- Jesus is love. Though, we forget that love chastises and corrects. Jesus came to rescue hearts and to do that the evil has to be destroyed- vanquished. Our sins, and overall ugliness can't be fixed by us or on its own- we must be given a new heart in Christ- by Christ. And must admit to ourselves and God they are there in the first place. There are no grey areas with God. 29 If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell. 30 And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell. Matt 5:29-30 If each person is a part of the body- we must not be cowardly in dealing with those with bitterness and destructive behavior. Will it be unpleasant, will hurt- most assuredly. Hurt feelings weigh less to the contrast to a souls and spirits bearing in Christ.

This all must been done in the spirit and love of Christ. But lets face it- love isn't easy, and fact is love can hurt. But as members of a body- we must be accountable and willing to confront and bear burdens to thus fulfill the law of Christ. 27Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. ! 1Corinthians 12:27