Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.
Did you love playing with Legos as a kid? If you are honest, you might admit that you still love playing with them, even as an adult. The possibilities of creation are limited only by the imagination of the builder.
When you consider a single Lego block, it does not seem that important all by itself. However, just try to finish a Lego masterpiece without that one peculiarly shaped piece that you cannot find and you will soon discover the importance of every single block.
The body of Christ, which is known as the church, is just like Legos. God did not intend for us to do life alone. As the passage above says, “We all belong to each other.” God created His church, the body of Christ, to connect with one another, and He also designed us to be most effective when we are in life-giving relationships with other believers. You see, the church is not the church without people. When we connect with other people, endless possibilities of what we can do for Christ arise because we all are fashioned by God, the great builder, and His imagination has no limits.
Connection in the hands of our great builder is empowering. Connection can take place regardless of age, color, or background. In fact, when we are connected to God in a strong relationship, we will find it easier to connect with others.
Here at Family Life, we place a strong emphasis on new believers connecting in relationships. New believers connect through being activated in their spiritual gifts and serving in the church and/or in the community. They also connect in small groups of believers who gather at different times. New believers also have the opportunity to grow in their relationship with Jesus and others through attending an Encounter Weekend.
You may ask, “Why is it important for me to connect in relationships? Can’t I do this Christian walk on my own?” Like we said, God never intended for you to do life alone, and in this lesson we will cover some of the many benefits of being connected to the church and in fellowship with other believers.
God Blesses Connection
How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony! For harmony is as precious as the anointing oil that was poured over Aaron’s head, that ran down his beard and onto the border of his robe. Harmony is as refreshing as the dew from Mount Hermon that falls on the mountains of Zion. And there the Lord has pronounced his blessing, even life everlasting.
Have you ever been to a concert where all the musicians played whatever they wanted whenever they wanted? Probably not, but I’m sure you can imagine what a catastrophe that would be. When each musician plays in harmony with the other musicians, it creates a beautiful sound that touches our souls. Similarly, when believers live in harmony with one another, it creates a sweet sound that brings pleasure to God.
The psalmist said, “How wonderful and pleasant it is.” In the vernacular of that day, the psalmist compared harmony to the precious anointing and to the dew that brings life to a parched land. He went on to say that when harmony is present, so are God’s blessings. Connecting with other believers helps bring us into harmony. As we all are connected to Christ and connected to one another, we become a body of believers that God blesses: the body of Christ.
DISCUSSION
Have you connected with other believers since you became a Christian? Was it a difficult or easy process for you to find people to share your life with? Explain.
We Are Better Together
Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.
What does Scripture mean when it says we should share one another’s burdens? We all walk through trials. Someone once said that everyone is either coming out of a trial or about to go into one. A burden, however, is different from the normal trials of life. It may be a difficult situation or life challenge that comes into our lives that we really do not have the strength to bear on our own. In times like this, we need the help and encouragement of others who believe in us and will stand with us until we see victory.
Scripture says that we are to help one another in these times, and in this way, we are being obedient to the desire of God. Jesus said that there is no greater love than laying down our lives for our friends (John 15:13). Chances are, you will not be called to lay down your physical life for anyone, but true connection and fellowship may at some point require you to lay aside your convenience or comfort in order to help a friend. At the same time, others are there for you and are willing to help when you need it.
When we are connected with other believers, the strength of those relationships is very effective in defending against the attacks of the devil. Ecclesiastes 4:12 says it this way: “A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.” You see, we really are better together!
DISCUSSION
Have you ever had to walk through something alone? How did it make you feel? How much better would it have been if there had been someone who believed in you to walk with you? Explain.
Connection and fellowship are important to your life as a believer. The solitary Christian life is a hard life. All around you in the body of Christ are people just like you who want to connect and become friends. Not only does true connection to the body of Christ put you at a safe place, but it will also bring you great joy as you continue to serve the Lord.
Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.
Recommended Reading
- The Lego Principle by Joey Bonifacio
Recommended Listening