Members of Christ

Ephesians 5:29 After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church— 30 for we are members of his body.

I came across this verse the other morning. Sometimes certain tenets of faith, while cherished and believed, nevertheless fade to the realm of the subconsious only to be awaken unexpectedly on a day just like any day. Such was the case with the truth behind this verse. New life was breathed into my soul as I was reminded that I, along with all my brothers and sisters in Christ, are united to Lord. My relationship with Jesus is more than simply believing, but I am a part of His spiritual body, joined to him in some mystical way that I don't fully understand. Just as I take care of my own body, Christ Jesus takes care of His body, nurturing, feeding, caring, watching over it. My Lord is closer than I imagine. He lives in my heart. Some verses for meditation:

1 Corinthians 12:13 For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body--whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free--and we were all given one Spirit to drink.

Galatians 2:20I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

1 Corinthians 6:15 Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ himself?...17 But he who unites himself with the Lord is one with him in spirit...19 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own.

Lord, you have made me alive, truly alive. I cherish your presense and my heart has joy when your Spirit reminds me that I am joined to you, united in spirt, a member of your own body. You are above all and the beauty of holiness adorns you. Yet I belong to you and you cherish and nuture me as your own body. Let me go through my day the that reality fueling my soul. Amen