1 Corinthians 12: 12-13 - "The 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. For we are all baptized by one Spirit into one body-whether Jews or Greeks, Slave or Free-and we were all given the one Spirit to drink."
In America, it is very difficult for us to understand what it means to actually be ruled by a King. We, as a Democratic Republic (not a true democracy) are governed by a set of guidelines that allow us a choice in the workings of those who govern.
In God's Kingdom, there is no such thing as a Democratic vote. As Jesus Christ is the head of our "body," the decisions he makes are the decisions that stand.
However, we do have a choice to make. It is the same choice as the one set before us in the Garden of Eden. Do we chose to allow God to lead us? Or do we choose to be completely autonomous from God?
When we chose to be autonomous, we choose to enter into a slavery that will eat us alive. When we focus on our selves, and focus on the things that "we" want, we will end up in a bad place. Look at our American values. You can argue all day long that the founding fathers based our moral code on Christian values, but whether or not they did or they didn't, the very idea that EVERY man or woman can make their own destiny is counter to the way that Christ set out for us.
I do not claim to say that we live in a great country of freedom from oppression (for now) or that I do not love this great country of ours, however, when it comes to my Christian beliefs, my allegiance lies to the one true God. The Triune God. The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
On the flip side of the coin, when we chose to allow God to reign over our lives, our decisions become clear. When we accept the calling that God has for us, doors open. Other than marrying my wife, the two easiest decisions I have ever made were to come to Fredericksburg, and to start seminary. For years I had struggled with my calling, but now I understand that these are the places that I need to be.
When we think about the Body of Christ, it is key to understand that WE are not the head of that body. When Paul is describing the body, he uses the analogies of the hands, the feet, the eyes and ears. All essential parts to the body. However, earlier on in Jesus' teachings, we read that if your hand causes you to sin, chop it off...or if you eye causes you to sin gouge it out. OUCH! The body can live without a hand, and without an eye, but the body cannot survive without Jesus Christ.
So it is with this thought that I leave you. Think about the ONE decision you really have to make. Think about the consequences of both sides (EVERY decision has consequences).
Who is the head of your life?
Bryan
