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One Body

Writer's picture: Divinely Driven MinistryDivinely Driven Ministry

By: Susanna Kozlow


Why is community important and why are there so many parts in the Kingdom of God?

Understanding that the Kingdom of God thrives through the unique contributions of His people is vital in Gods Word. Much like a physical body, with its parts and limbs each serving a purpose, the body of Christ operates in this world through the various roles of its members. What God has gifted us, in God's Kingdom, we work together for His Greater Purpose.


I recently started having this pain on my left shoulder that didn't seem to go away. I noticed the more I tried to stretch it out, move it, massage it, it only got worse. I noticed it began to affect my shoulder blade, my hand, and even my neck as I tried everything to get it to stop hurting and start functioning again, without pain. It only got worse, and my thought process was, "If I can move this, then maybe this other part will work" In my eyes, I could fix this. As weeks went by I began to realize that this was a bigger problem that began to affect other parts of my body, not allowing me to function as my body was designed to.


I will save you all the details but after seeing my doctor and images being ordered, I was sent to a Ortho Spine Doctor. I was told I had "frozen shoulder". My thoughts? "What in the world is that, and how did this happen?" There was no real explanation other than this is the process of aging. With that, I could not help but think how this one shoulder began to affect my entire body and I needed it to work in order for my body to function as it was designed to function.


I began the healing process (that is still going) and thought how amazing Gods design is in the body of Christ.


1 Corinthians 12:12-27, the Apostle Paul explains that just as a body is made up of many parts, so is the body of Christ. Each part is vital; none can claim to be more important than another. For example, think of the heart and the hands: while the heart pumps blood, the hands perform tasks. Both are essential. My shoulder? While my shoulder helps with lifting and balancing, with out it functioning properly, it affects my hand, my elbow, my back and even my neck.


Paul teaches us that every role in the Kingdom of God is crucial for fulfilling the mission Jesus has given us.


Everyone has unique gifts and callings. We also lift each other up in moments of need, wise counsel, prayer. Gods design is for many moving parts with ONE goal. His Mission.

Are you passionate about teaching? Or do you excel in caregiving, leadership, or prayer? Each of these talents contributes to the overall health and effectiveness of the community of God in His "Church".


Ephesians 4:11-12

"So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up."

This reminds us that different roles in His church are designed to prepare the community for service. When everyone embraces their unique callings, the collective body of Christ is strengthened. Moving forward in Mission.


Diversity also goes beyond mere differences; it highlights unity in purpose. When various roles and gifts collaborate effectively, they create a strong community that reflects God's love. Unity does not mean everyone being the same; it means working harmoniously toward a common goal while celebrating our unique distinctions.


Consider a musical orchestra. Each instrument has its distinctive sound, yet when they play together, they create beautiful harmony. In the body of Christ, when individuals recognize their diverse roles and commit to a shared mission, they work together in mission in the race set before them.


Each part of the body relies on others for strength and function, as believers. Just as my shoulder wasn't functioning well, other parts held it up, but with out it functioning well, it began to hurt other parts of my body.


The diversity of roles in God's Kingdom isn't confined to church activities; it extends to everyday life. Each believer is called to be an ambassador of Christ, using their gifts in various areas—at work, at home, or in the community.


Diverse roles come with unique challenges. It's common for individuals to face insecurities or doubt about their contributions to the Kingdom. However, navigating these challenges can lead to surrender, growth and an understanding of one’s purpose.

Being part of God's Kingdom means recognizing that each person's contribution is vital for the bigger mission of love, service, healing and discipleship. Like a body that thrives through diverse roles working together, the body of Christ flourishes when everyone embraces their unique gifts and collaborates to fulfill God's purpose. We need each other to lift, pray, serve and step in.


As you reflect on your role, think through what part you play. There are differences in our callings while working together in love, we can embody the values of God's Kingdom in our communities and making an impact.


Embrace your place in the body of Christ and bring community into your walk with Christ. We all need each other as we move forward in this world. Surrender is an everyday decision, and we need each other as we walk in that surrender.


And pray for this old lady's shoulder.









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