Called Out of Slavery
The Church is the people of God. The Latin word for “church,” ecclesia, comes from the Greek ek, which means “out,” and kaleo, which means “to call.” The Church is the people of God called out of slavery to freedom, sin to salvation, despair to hope, darkness to light, an existence centered on death to an existence focused on life. When we think of the Church we have to think of a body of people, traveling together. We have to envision women, men, and children of all ages, races, and societies supporting one another on their long and often tiresome journeys to their final home.
—Henri Nouwen,
Bread for the Journey
1 Corinthians 12:12-27 is one of the clearest passages in all of Scripture on how the body of Christ is formed. Paul uses the image of the human body to illustrate the unity and diversity within the body of Christ. Its key is found in verse 24, which concludes: “But God has put together all the parts of the body,” meaning He sovereignly arranges and equips His people as He sees fit into a powerful community. As parts of this community, we are called to embrace both humility and gratitude. Rather than comparing ourselves to others or desiring different roles, we should trust God’s perfect placement. When we honor and care for one another, recognizing that God Himself has assembled us together, the body of Christ functions in harmony. No one is unnecessary, and no task is too small. May we rest in the assurance that our place in the body is divinely appointed and seek to serve with joy, knowing that God’s purpose is unfolding through us all as we journey together. —DH
—David Hoskins, Founder & Care Guide, Sanctuary Clinics