Healthy Body /Healthy Spirit

Today's readings: Psalms 135; 145, Isaiah 44:6-8, 21-23, Ephesians 4:1-16, Mark 3:7-19

When an injury occurs, overcompensating with another body part can cause further harm. For example, limping for an extended period can strain the good leg and the back and require additional treatment. Another example of the interconnectedness of our parts is the phenomenon of referred pain, which occurs when injury to one body part causes pain in a different one, such as a spinal injury causing arm pain, making proper diagnosis and treatment difficult.

In the letter to the Ephesians, Paul compares the structure of the body of Christ to the human body. He emphasizes the importance of each part, and the need for unity in a healthy body. For the body to grow in love, all parts must function properly. Sometimes, though, we may not be able to easily determine which part we're meant to be. What then?

Our "diagnostic test" is this: do our actions (or inactions) contribute to the spiritual unity of the body? If we cause other parts to falter or carry our burdens, we need to reexamine our role. However, any physical therapist knows pain in the cause of healing is sometimes unavoidable. When it occurs in the body of Christ, we must ask ourselves whether the pain is a price to pay for unity. If it is, the body will be stronger for enduring it; if not we must cease. When the body is brought back into balance, pain for all members of the body is minimized and the use of our gifts is maximized.

Like physical health, spiritual health is not founded on quick fixes. It is a mature approach to healthy, balanced decisions benefitting the body, not just ones satisfying our localized  whims and short-term comfort. We all depend on each other, and must provide and accept support accordingly.

Evening readings: Psalms 97; 112

Body(building) of Christ

Today's readings: Psalms 135, 145; Isaiah 44:6-8, 21-23; Ephesians 4:1-16; Mark 3:7-19a

One of Paul's favorite descriptions the Christian community is a body with Christ as its head. In his letter to the Ephesians he explains how all the gifts of the community work together, just as all the parts of the body work together. He also says the Body of Christ needs to grow into maturity and unity. Let's explore a couple other ways this idea of building the "body" can apply to the church.

Why do we exercise our bodies? Primarily to stay fit to accomplish other tasks. Looking good is a side benefit, but for long term health it is not essential. Smart bodybuilders never sacrifice fitness for appearance. Lazy boydbuilders and churches do. We may be able to show off our muscles - beautiful buildings, large congregations, prestigious members - but we should never prize them above the overall health of the church. Like healthy bodybuilders, healthy churches achieve results through hard work and good choices; shortcuts result in unsustainable outcomes and dangerous consequences. A body that serves no purpose but to promote itself is not a healthy one.

Bodybuilders are acutely aware of proper proportion. It is easy to focus efforts on areas that respond quickly, don't tire us, or attract attention. Doing so exclusively, however, leaves other important areas neglected. The boring parts are just as important. A church can have a dynamic and popular worship experience, but if it sucks away the energy that could go into mission, the body is out of balance. For bodybuilders such imbalance doesn't just lose them tournaments, but can increase their risk for injury. If the efforts of our Christian body are not balanced, we hurt ourselves in the long run.

Prevention is the best way to manage injury and illness, but the most diligent of us may get sick. When that happens, the worst thing to do is ignore it. Far too many people avoid the doctor because of embarassment or fear. The body of Christ has the same tendencies. We often choose to protect our reputation rather admit to real problems. Such behavior can be fatal. But it doesn' have to be. Let's be sure to take care of the Body in all the right ways!

Evening readings: Psalms 97, 112