1 Corinthians 12: 12 – 27 - “For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit… But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose… Now you are the body of Christ and individually members
In this passage, Paul uses the image of the human body to describe the Church. A body is one, yet it is made up of many different members; hands, feet, eyes, ears, mouth, each with a distinct role. None are accidental. None are unnecessary. Every part belongs, and every part contributes to the body’s ability to function.
Paul is clear: the Church is not a crowd; it is a body.
There is a difference between attending and belonging. Attending is about physical presence; showing up, sitting in service, consuming what is offered. Belonging, however, is deeper. It speaks to identity. It means you are not just invited, but integrated. You are not just present, but positioned. You are known, valued, and able to contribute authentically.
The Church functions best not when people merely attend, but when they truly belong.
As we read further in the passage, Paul reminds us that this body is not limited by culture, ethnicity, or social status. “Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—we were all baptized into one Spirit.” The ground is level at the foot of the cross. Diversity does not divide the body; it strengthens it.
Just as a human body cannot function without its various members, the body of Christ cannot thrive without every believer playing their part. The hand matters. The foot matters. The eyes matter. Likewise, you matter.
The Church thrives because of its differences, not in spite of them. Our gifts are designed to complement one another for God’s glory. When believers are united by the Holy Spirit, the Church becomes the visible expression of Christ on the earth.
One of the most powerful truths in this passage is this:
“God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose.”
You do not choose your body parts, God places them.
This means your gifting, your role, your wiring, and your position in the body are intentional. When we complain about our gifts or compare ourselves to others, we are not just expressing insecurity, we are subtly questioning God’s wisdom. We are mocking the unique manifestation of the Spirit through us and, in doing so, dishonouring the Father who placed us exactly where we are most effective.
You are not misplaced. You are not overlooked. You are not unnecessary.
How beautiful and powerful it is to belong to a body so pure; a body being made ready without blemish, united in Christ. A body where every member matters, every gift is needed, and every believer belongs.
Crowds consume. Bodies belong. And you belong.