I’m drawn to the back few rows of church. It’s quieter back here, out of the way. In many of our modern churches, built in more of a theater style, the back rows are dark. I feel hidden, in my cocoon, as I watch the service. With my coffee, and no one to engage with, it’s really quite comfortable.

Unfortunately for me, Paul brings a different perspective on living the faith. Using the metaphor of the human body, Paul explains how each one of us forms a vital part of the whole—there are many parts, but one body.

Just as a finger cannot function without the rest of the body (FYI, I saw a severed finger once—it lay there, useless), we as followers of Jesus need other believers around us, just as they need me and you. Paul again: God has put the body together…its parts should have equal concern for each other…Now you are the body of Christ, and each of one of you is a part of it.

Christianity is a participatory religion. It’s not a “consume a service like a TV program” religion. I must engage, I must exercise the gifts given by the Holy Spirit to build those around me, just as I benefit from the gifts of others. I must step forward toward people, not shirk my role. In short, I cannot act as a severed member.

Bummer for my preferred worship style. While I still sit in the back, I greet my fellow back row denizens. And when I leave the sanctuary for the bright light of day, I enter the greater body of believers. I need the push from Paul, because it’s really comfortable to stay in the shadows.

1 Corinthians 12 in week thirty-six of reading the Bible cover to cover

Photo by Karen Zhao