OUR PLACE IN THE BODY:

AN ACCEPTABLE SACRIFICE, A WHOLE BODY

(Studies about the Church and our place in it)

© 1998 Michael G.Parham

            Romans 12 (Amplified)

Can you imagine what great things a church could accomplish if each person maintained an honest and dynamic relationship with God and allowed every other person to have a similar relationship without his interference; where each believer genuinely set out to do what he or she could do best both in the Body and in the community, knowing that he could do that job better than anyone else, that everyone else wanted him to do it, and that no one would be upset because he did it or how he did it?

No one in the church would be upset about who did the finances; everyone would know that the best qualified person was doing it. The person who had the best designer touch could choose the color of the new carpet without fear of attack; the individual who had a heart for the young people would relish the job of youth activity coordinator (and everyone else would be thankful to let him have it); the one who understands traffic flow patterns would naturally direct parking; and the one with carpentry and maintenance skills would see that everything worked correctly. The thriving Christian businessman would not be viewed as the perfect pastoral candidate, but rather as a minister in his own right in the community.

In order for a person to seek a job in the church, he would have to prove himself better qualified and more willing than the person doing it, often only after a period of apprenticeship with the one who preceded him, and every person would enjoy seeing the younger grow in skills and willingness until the younger finally surpassed the elder; the elder then stepping back for a more relaxed counseling role. Those in the community willing to trust God in faith for a struggling business would be viewed as examples of Biblical faith in action, and those not having the faith for such a venture would understand the nature of their calling - to labor for those who have greater faith and vision.

How different is this vision of a functioning church and community than the norm that we see practiced around us almost everywhere? People are given tasks in the church, not because they are qualified or even desirous of the tasks, but in an effort to get them to church. Youth workers aren’t hired because they are called of God to work with youth, but to fill a need while supposedly giving some young person or couple "valuable training" for some other ministry they actually seek. The church’s books are shuttled around until the last minute, when like a game of "musical chairs," whoever is holding them when a deadline approaches is responsible to see that they get done. Those assigned to the nursery and to teach Sunday School are often the least faithful, given the responsibility in an effort to assure their presence at times when they otherwise would not appear. This not only gives serious responsibilities to those not qualified, but deprives those who are qualified of a position they actually desire. Those who express a desire to be used are always given something to do, but often not the job they desire. The attitude prevails that "if you really want to help, you’ll do whatever we really need you to do."

Some obvious problems with this situation are that people are not placed where they are most confident of their abilities or where their actual interests lie. Often, those who are faithful are subjected to the disinterested leadership of those who are not faithful. Those who have actual leadership abilities in one area are placed in some other position where they experience only frustration, and then are viewed by all others as failures; as aspirants with no ability. This not only discourages those involved, but teaches the young people observing this ridiculous situation that only fools aspire to leadership; only the incompetent succeed; that the wise only sit and observe.

In the community, if an individual steps out on faith in business, he is "taking a risk" or "playing the odds." His business savvy is certainly not a spiritual gift, and his profits have no relation to his spiritual maturity. He is said to be a Christian businessman if he goes to church on Sunday, whether he ever prays about his ventures or applies Biblical principles or not. If he makes money, he probably cheated someone or dealt under the table. In this way, young Christians are taught that "church work" is the only spiritual endeavor; that to be successful in business is to violate one’ principles; that one must choose between what is moral and what is profitable, between the right and the practical.

Almost every Scriptural example we hold out to our youth or look to for our own encouragement is an example of an individual in a practical dilemma struggling to know the right and principled resolution in a "secular" situation. From Eve’s conversation with a serpent to Isaiah’s criticism of Israel’s debauched currency and diluted wine, we should understand that the very nature of spirituality is the application of God’s Word to everyday, worldly situations. It is also noteworthy that most of the Biblical examples for our edification were not "ministers"; while some were prophets, most were businessmen (Job, Abraham), politicians (Moses, David, Daniel), and simple laborers (Noah, Amos).

Add to this the knowledge that the church is not simply an organization that meets together once or twice a week, but rather a group of people coming together for instruction and worship to be better qualified to live their day-to-day lives in the community and throughout the world; and Romans 12 begins to be understandable. Paul is not talking about how to be holy on Sunday, but how to be spiritual all the time in all endeavors. Not in church, but in all of life, give yourselves to the Lord in total abandon. Don’t not be conformed to the world when you meet together, but don’t be conformed to the world in any of life. Don’t set out to prove God’s will in what you wear or do one day a week, but prove His will every day in all that you do. And do this by thinking differently than the world thinks. Just as the Lord told the hypocritical nation "My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways (Isa 55:8)"; so are our ways and thoughts to be different than the world’s.

From this perspective of our ministry outside the walls of a meeting room for the church, let us heed the instruction and admonitions of Paul in Romans 12. The first two verses in this passage contain so much that is edifying for the Christian in his life and thought that it should not surprise us that they have been perverted so as to be used to teach exactly the opposite of what is meant. Typically, these verses are quoted at youth and mission rallies in support of the proposition that one must give up all that he thinks meaningful and worthwhile to pursue a life of bleakness and deprivation, serving a people that neither desire nor understand what is being offered; and that anything less than such "absolute commitment" cannot be God’s highest and best for anyone. To be sure, such a life of service on a remote mission field is certainly God’s call to some individuals, and anything less than the submission to that call for those persons is treason against the Lord of their life. But, such a life of deprivation and "service" by one not specifically called to it is similarly treason. There is no "greater" or "lesser" service to the Lord; there is only service and failure to serve. To do what God has called us to do individually is to serve; to do anything other than that to which we have been individually called is to fail to serve. The measure of our service is the measure of our faithfulness to the specific call of God on our lives, and most individuals have been called to serve in practical, non-churchy ways.

Professing that Christ is Lord is not synonymous with submitting to Him as Lord. Prophesying, casting out devils, and doing wonderful works when called to do something else is only "holy" disobedience. "If you love me, keep my commandments (Joh 14:15)" is more than a request; it is a distinctive. Doing the will of the Father is not the key to the Kingdom of Heaven, it is the proof of citizenship.

Paul continues in verse 3 of Romans 12: Having learned to think correctly and responsibly, don’t overestimate your worth or abilities. But, don’t underestimate yourself either. "Rate [your] ability with sober judgment" knowing that that ability is according to the faith apportioned you by God. Recognize both your dependence on every other member of the Body Christ, and their dependence on you (vs 5). When any individual member of the Body fails, he damages the reputation of Christ in the community, and no one else can make up that breach.

Since we all have different gifts, talents, and abilities, it would behoove us to know which abilities we possess and who possesses those we don’t. We can neither use a tool we don’t know we possess, nor can we utilize someone else’s abilities if they haven’t determined or made known that they have an ability. Therefore, we must all take inventory; we must determine who has certain necessary equipment. This requires a candid assessment of oneself and the other members of the Body. You can neither disavow the abilities you have, nor claim those you don’t possess. We are given a checklist of the gifts given to all Believers and are instructed to determine which we possess. The possibilities are:

Verse 6 states as an unequivocal fact all Believers have some gift. (Whether every Believer is limited to only one gift is not made clear here, and it may very well be that, just as some individuals are given more natural talents than others, so some Believers may be given more than one gift. But we are assured that every Believer does have at least one gift.) No one may sit by and allow others to do everything, excusing themselves by disavowing any ability. It is also possible that verses 9 through 15 are admonitions coupled with each gift; that is, verse 9 is an admonition to the Prophet, verse 10 to the Servant, verse 11 to the Teacher, verse 12 to the Exhorter, verse 13 to the Giver, verse 14 to the Administrator, and verse 15 to the one who shows Mercy. Certainly, whatever your particular gifts, you should heed the warnings in verses 9-15. The remaining verses are clearly for the admonition of all.

The context for the exercise of all these gifts and admonitions is clearly to the community at large, not simply the gathered assembly. Obviously, the first responsibility of a Believer is to other fellow Believers, but the responsibility does not end there. Numerous examples of prophecies to those outside Israel can readily be called to mind from the Old Testament. Paul tells us:

Teaching, Exhorting, and Giving are probably the gifts most restricted to the church, and Prophecy, Service, and Mercy are the most evident to those outside the Body of Christ, but there are none of these gifts that cannot be exercised in the community and outside the Assembly. In fact, the exercise of these various gifts in a way that is visible to the community and to particular individuals is probably the best means of evangelism open to the church.

How do you know your gift(s)? How do you know you can perform on an instrument or raise a tomato plant? Why doesn’t everyone pilot airplanes or scuba dive? We each have different desires and likes and dislikes. Those desires, when subjected to the scrutiny of God’s Word and in harmony with His principles, are clearly an indication of His gifts and abilities, His call and direction, and His will for your life. You must strive to excel, but you must never strive to be something you are not.

Paul’s argument in Romans 12 is that since God has mercifully redeemed us from our inability to please Him, it is now our responsibility to do all within our power to please Him. But it is not a responsibility of drudgery and futility as it seems to those outside of Christ; but a responsibility of joy and freedom. I have the knowledge that what God has gifted me to do He wants me to do; that what I desire to do is evidence of what He has called me to do; that what I delight in doing as a regenerate individual, He delights in my doing.

To be born again is not to take leave of my natural abilities, my talents or my rational faculties. To be regenerated by the Spirit of God is to bring all that I am and can be into harmony with the Law of God; to harness my skills and abilities and use them in the accomplishment of the will of the Father. While some individuals are called to leave their occupation and devote all their time to "the Word of God (Acts 6:2)", most are challenged to continue in their occupation (1Co 7:17-24; Eph 6:5-8), but with a view toward bringing Glory to God as opposed to seeking personal glory (Col 3:17-24). And even those who are called to lead the church as elders, Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers are those who have first proven their ability and worth their in family, community and business (1Ti 3).

Many individuals stumble over the word "sacrifice" in Romans 12:1; "that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice." We have visions of a bloody, dead body that is given once, never of any use to anyone after its burning. We must remember, however, that the Old Testament understanding of sacrifice looked forward to the death of Christ; that only the perfect and blemish free were offered; and that the offering was an animal. Christ, who perfectly fulfilled the demand for atonement did not stay dead; He not only continues to useful, but necessary for all. He not only did not give up His abilities and faculties, but continues to be used in His omnipotence in a way that is to be an example to us. Old Testament sacrifices were animals - so that the people could continue to mature and be more Godlike as they were constantly reminded of their need of God. Jesus was our New Testament sacrifice precisely because He could die and live again in my behalf. His death was essential that we not die; His life enables us to live more abundantly. That we be a "living sacrifice" does not require that we be unthinking, unmotivated, unproductive dead beat spouting "spiritual platitudes." It means the opposite: that we owe to the Father our best in all areas of our lives.

It is interesting that many Christians exalt the importance of the "spiritual" and denigrate their body as evil and their mind as useless in knowing or pleasing God. It is precisely these that Paul looks to as evidence of spiritual life. "That you present your bodies . . ." and "be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind" are the earmarks of an awakened spirit. Who but those alive in Christ know that their bodies are a reflection of the image of God and that they are to be treated with respect and decency; that what we allow our bodies to do and be are indications of our attitude toward God? Who but Believers know that the mind of man is the highest creative act of an omnipotent God, that man’s creative genius and rational faculties are reflections of the sovereign abilities of God that made this marvelous universe and set man to exercise dominion over it?

What many professing Christians call "faith" and "spirituality" is nothing more than an excuse for a lack of intelligent use of their God given abilities. Offering to God their worst and thinking that holiness requires that they never achieve their best, they fail to understand the principle that David expressed when purchasing the threshing floor of Araunah for the building of an altar to God:

Biblical faith is both a "substance" and an "evidence" (Heb 11:1) that produces tangible results. While not pertaining to the realm of the physically seeable or touchable, they are as real and substantial as profits and losses. Just as a young child cannot understand these concepts of business, an unregenerate cannot understand faith. But just as no businessman would allow a child to convince him that profits are not tangible and real, so no mature Christian should fall for the idea that "faith" is insubstantial or that it operates without absolute laws and principles. The person who just "knows it" without rational justification or an intelligent explanation is not practicing Biblical Faith, but something akin to witchcraft. You would invest no money with business that thought profits were the result of luck or whim, and you should be on guard against any "spiritual" leader who has no basis for faith beyond feeling or extra-Biblical revelation. Just as wise business practices produce profits, substantial faith produces character and quality.

Each person in the body of Christ is challenged to do and be his best for the Glory of God, surrendering nothing of his natural abilities, but, rather, enhancing those abilities by the infusion of the power of God. Christians should be the best thinkers, the greatest philosophers, the best engineers, the most honest politicians, and the hardest workers. That is not to say that every person is to be all things, nor that every thinking Christian is to be a philosopher nor every worker the best. But it does mean that my best as a Christian should be better than my best when I was not a Christian; for now I not only have my natural abilities, but I have the additional drive to glorify God and the additional encouragement my relationship with God inspires. And, when in my service to Him I have done my best and given my all, I can rely on Him to accomplish His purpose.

Biblical Faith, when properly understood and applied, fits the genuine Believer like a finely tailored suit or an old pair of his own shoes. We never need to twist or contort to make it work; we need simply to relax in God and be the best we can be. We serve a God who exults in His creation, who demands that we recognize His intelligence and perfection, and who desires that we be like He is. Let us strive to be all that God intends that we be: intelligent and rational, creative and productive, knowing our abilities and exercising them to the utmost of our capacity. As we each do our part, as set forth in Romans 12, a natural consequence will be a well rounded Body. We will clearly portray the Truth (Prophecy). We will practice that Truth (Service). We will expound and explain the Truth (Teaching). We will encourage others to embrace and practice that Truth (Exhortation). We will give so that others may practice and disseminate Truth. We will administer all of life in accordance with veracity and Truth (Administration). And we will show mercy in harmony with the Truth. It is only as we function as a Body that we can each grow and mature in the Truth, and it is only as a Body that we can effectively show a well rounded image of Him who is the Truth to those who so desperately need the Truth.

mp 2/8/87