“So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.” (Romans 12:5 KJV)
In our last study, we looked at Jesus’ command to “Follow me”—what that DOES and does NOT mean.
As unique and individual members of the Body of Christ, we have a responsibility to obey the HEAD. But there’s more—we are ALSO to provide support as limbs and organs for each other. When one member is suffocating under a pressing burden, we are to come alongside and help to breathe life into them. When a brother or sister cannot lift their load or even take another step, we are to reach out and become hands and feet for them. So, as in the properly functioning BODY He designed, we are “members one of another.”
Our local church recently suffered an unexpected, unexplainable, unspeakable loss. Our dear associate pastor’s wife went into the hospital with flu symptoms and, in spite of thousands upon thousands of fervent prayers for her healing, within six days, she—Michelle—was gone. This young, joyful, hardworking, do-whatever-needs-to-be-done member of the church was suddenly amputated from the Body.
Her friends, though in total shock, were not at a loss for words. They mobilized and came up with an idea for something to remember her by—a shirt with a colorful design on it made of words that described Michelle. Words like: Dedicated. Inclusive. Inspiring. Energetic. Passionate. Uplifting. Supportive. Strong. Trustworthy. Then over the top of the design, big and bold, was the challenge, “Live like Michelle.”
What a beautiful memorial! The best thing is, all these words truly described Michelle, but every word speaks of her desire to contribute to something bigger than just herself. THAT was Michelle. She cheerfully performed her duties like a well-oiled gear in a gearbox—where one well-working part makes all the other gears move easier and function better.
It’s interesting that the sentiment did NOT say, “BE Michelle.” First, Michelle was irreplaceable. And anyway, if we were ALL “Michelle,” then who would be YOU or ME? The point is: if we all emulate Jesus, with the BEST of what we see in each other, we become a higher functioning BODY—like a well-oiled machine—to accomplish what God has in mind for His Body to accomplish in the world.
“If I am not for myself, who will be for me? If I am only for myself, what am I? And if not now, when?” —Rabbi Hillel
Here’s an interesting perspective: Moses commanded Israel that, after they crossed over Jordan, they were to build an altar. “There you are to erect an altar to ADONAI your God, an altar made of stones. You are not to use any iron tool on them, but are to build the altar of uncut stones; and you are to offer burnt offerings on it to ADONAI your God.” (Deuteronomy 27:5-6 CJB)
Uncut stones. The people were commanded NOT to chisel them to a uniform shape and size, but they were to be taken as-is and placed side by side with other perfectly unique stones. In 1 Peter 2:5, Peter writes, “You also, like living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 2:5) Living stones—uncut stones.
I believe God’s desire is: “I don’t want you to be exact copies of each other! I made you to be uniquely YOU! Don’t chisel yourself to look and BE exactly like everyone else. Rather, BE the best version of yourself—the unique and one-and-only YOU I made YOU to be!”
“ADONAI is agreeing today that you are his own unique treasure, as he promised you.” (Deuteronomy 26:18 CJB)
What about Matthew 16:24? It states, “Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” Is Jesus demanding that His followers deny their individual uniquenesses to become homogenized—uniform and exact duplicates? Where no one has a unique gift or a special talent? No.
When Jesus said, “if you want to follow me, deny your SELF,” He was teaching that we must disown our SELFish ambitions to glorify our SELF and to submit our SELF to His WILL. We are fearfully and wonderfully made for a unique purpose and calling. There’s just ONE of YOU and ONE of ME in all of Creation!! Don’t forsake your God-given uniqueness, but also don’t forget that “you are NOT your own, for you were bought with a price.” (1 Corinthians 6:20)
“FOLLOW ME.” Following JESUS may look very different for each of us. “Jesus in you” may mean:
- Being led down the path of creativity, bringing to life things that did not exist before.
- Developing a God-given talent or gift to enhance the beauty of the Kingdom of God.
- Being a voice of admonition, encouragement, and comfort for someone else.
- Being a leader of men or women, raising their thoughts and intentions to a higher level.
- Setting the stage to allow others to use their voice or develop their gifts.
- Ministering to children, making them feel loved and special.
- Learning to walk the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.
- Being praised with uplifted palms—or being misunderstood for doing good.
- Enduring pain for His name’s sake.
- Being led down the road of suffering and death, knowing that the plans of God always result in “Follow ME.” He leads us all down different paths, but it’s Jesus we are emulating—His example. The greatest gift we can offer to God is our total SELF. Not to BE Him or anyone else—but to follow Him and become the best version of what He created US to be as part of His ONE BODY. His unique treasure.
(Part 2 of 2)
