The Myth of the Isolated Christian

So Christ Himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip His people for works of service, so that the Body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
Ephesians 4:11-13 (NIV)

Do you know that your purpose and maturity depend on your participation in the Body of Christ?

Maybe a family member or friend has said they’re fed up with “the organized church.” They think the church is full of hypocrites and liars and they want no part of it. So they’ll continue to practice their faith apart from the Church. 

Or perhaps you have been hurt in church or simply wondered why it’s important to participate faithfully in the church at all. 

From the very beginning, God has always worked His purpose through a community of people as the entire story of Scripture demonstrates. Yes, the Church is filled with flawed, imperfect people and leaders. Participating in the community of faith is also the only way that you and I “attain to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” 

Today’s verse makes it clear that connecting to the Body of Christ is essential for you to “become mature” and grow more like Jesus. Here are a few truths we learn from these verses in Ephesians:

You are a part of the Body of Christ. “...so that the Body of Christ may be built up…” The body is an intentional metaphor. Every gift and ability is needed, just as each limb and organ is necessary to complete your own body. Among the people of God, you learn how to function in your purpose and join other flawed and imperfect people to fulfill the mission of God. 

You are created to function with others. When you attempt to fulfill your role in the Kingdom on your own, you function about as well as a disconnected toe. It is no different than a hand saying, “I can do all things on my own—I don’t need a head, eyes, legs, or a heart.” No part of the body functions well in isolation. In fact, any disconnected part of the body will not function at all. 

You mature through the Body of Christ. You cannot mature in isolation. It takes the friction of relationships to help you see your blind spots and learn to grow in love and service. “So Christ gave the apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers” to encourage your maturity. And there’s no place like the church, to find examples who have gone before you and are willing to share their wisdom. 

You cannot learn unity in isolation. Learning how to empathize with others, respect differences, and value another’s perspective is how you grow in unity. Today’s verse declares that reaching “unity in the faith” is an essential part of your purpose. And you cannot learn unity on your own.

You are essential to the Body of Christ. If you have been hurt before in a community of faith, don’t give up. Allow the Holy Spirit to heal you. And commit again. Then you can mature, reaching unity in the faith and attaining to the full measure of Christ Himself.

Prayer: Father God, Thank You for creating a family of faith through Your Church. Help me to contribute my best talents, gifts, and abilities through the Church. Show me how to be an example to other Christ-followers, and to be an active part of my local church as I serve the community and share my faith. In Jesus’ name, Amen.