As Christians we often talk about being the hands and feet of Christ. This is based on passages like 1 Corinthians 12:27 where Paul says this: “Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.” He also says that Christ is the “head” of the body.

It’s inspiring to think about ourselves as the hands and feet of Christ. After all, it reminds us that we have a practical purpose to do God’s work in the world. I recall seeing a Family Circus cartoon strip where one of the kids goes around giving hugs; she proclaims that we’re the only arms God has!

But the idea of being the hands and feet of Christ can also be intimidating. Some people might even feel guilty because of it. Since they are aware of their own foibles, and since they are aware that they often miss the mark when it comes to sharing or showing God’s love and truth, the idea just overwhelms them.

It’s true that we often miss the mark. It’s also true that when we sin we should ask for God’s forgiveness, re-commit to a new path, and start again. (It’s called repentance.)

At the same time, we need to remember that it’s not all up to us as individuals. The body of Christ is just that—a body. Think about a sports team. If you have a bad game, that doesn’t mean everyone has a bad game. The team is made up of everyone, not just you. 

So it is in the church. People have different strengths. Some are good at this, others are good at that. Some people are experts in this, some people are experts in that. David Robertson says it well: “You do not have to be an expert in everything, or even an expert in anything, because in the church of Jesus Christ you have a whole army of fellow warriors and workers in the cause of the Lord.”*

We are the body of Christ—together. That isn’t just an excuse to sing Kumbaya. It’s a statement of fact. 

Body.
Team.
Army.

When you sin, repent. 
When you don’t know, ask.
When you wobble, get help.
When you’re strong, lend a hand.

Play your part. Know it’s not all up to you. Rely on Christ. And each other. Forward march.

“Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.”

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Notes:

–The Up Devotional is published 5 days a week (Monday-Friday) and returns on June 10, 2024.

–David Robertson, Engaging with Atheists (The Good Book Company: 2014), 50.

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.