“Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.”
Ephesians 4:15-16
The human body is truly remarkable, exceptional amidst all of God’s creation. The way children grow, the way people heal, our ability to think and to interact with one another – all point clearly to a wise and Almighty Creator.
And the primary analogy in the New Testament for the Church is the body. Jesus is the head and we are His body.
“And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.”
Ephesians 1:22-23
The word “head” in Greek carries a similar double meaning as it does in English – referring both to the housing for the brain (to direct the body) and the source or beginning of a stream (to water a river valley). Jesus is our Head in both senses: He directs what we do and empowers it as well.
Paul brings out this double meaning in Eph. 4:15-16 as well – showing that we are to grow up INTO Christ, our head – as our model, example and Lord. And we are to grow up THROUGH CHRIST, drawing life and power and direction from Him as we grow, with the result that the body “builds itself up in love.”
So consider both sides of this relationship today:
- How well connected are you to Jesus as the Head of the Body? How well are you listening for His direction and following the guiding impulses of His Spirit regarding the work you are to do each day?
- And how well are you connected to Jesus as the Source of all life and power? Are you learning to walk closely with Him (Eph. 4:1), to remain in Him (John 15:1-10), to depend completely on Him (Prov. 3:5-6)?
Is Jesus both your Head and your Source?
If so, you will be increasingly active in loving and serving His body, because you will be part of the fulfillment of Ephesians 4:15-16 – serving as a T-cell in the Church’s immune system, bringing healing and restoration to places of pain and brokenness in the Body. You will be part of the church “building itself up in love.”
If that kind of healing, restoring ministry is not a regular part of your life (i.e. through a small group and personal relationships), it’s time to take a step toward greater connection with Jesus and His Body!