The Body of Christ

As our Independence Day approaches, we sing the national anthem at many of our gatherings—whether at film screenings, sporting events, or even during our church services. But why do we do this? Perhaps it’s to instil a sense of belonging, remind us of the sacrifices made by our forefathers, or reflect our current reality of living in a deeply divided society, where the need for motivation toward unity is ever-present. Are we so divided that we require these continuous reminders of our unity? Let us delve into the various sources of division among our societies and explore how we can transcend them to become a unified Body of Christ.

Divisions Based on Nationalism

Are the nations around us part of the Body of Christ? Jesus died for the sins of the entire world, not just for one specific country. Do we love our neighbouring countries? All three of India’s neighbouring countries have gone through major economic downturns, but since they have not affected us directly, we could be less bothered by the state of affairs in these countries. Not only did it not affect us, but we still share memes about inflation-driven onion prices in Pakistan and fuel prices in Sri Lanka.

After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. – Revelation 7:9

On the cricket field, the four countries may be rivals and patriotism on the cricket field is fine. However, when it extends to hatred towards our neighbours to the extent that we celebrate when harm befalls them, it is not the message of Christ. The call to love our neighbours applies not just within our borders but extends globally. We must remember that Christ’s message is one of love and compassion, not derision.

Divisions Based on State or Region

We are biased towards people from our own state or region. The North vs. South mentality often prevails not only in official capacities but in social gatherings as well. In the office, we prefer having lunch with people we can talk to easily. People often prefer renting or selling properties to individuals from their own region, creating segregated communities. People even prefer arranging marriages within their own region or community, limiting social integration and perpetuating regional divides. Politicians further fan the flames by bringing frivolous causes as their agenda items.

The British government sought to divide and rule India by keeping the princely states separate. They gave them pseudo-powers, providing a sense of authority in their own provinces while simultaneously preventing the formation of a united front of resistance. Today, each state in India contributes to our cultural diversity, which is what makes us unique. However, some people take advantage of cultural identity to instil feelings of separatism. People have used nostalgia and a sense of belonging to create disharmony between states. Whether it be water shortages, economic inequality, or budget allocation, these issues are used to foster hatred for the people of other states.

Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all. – Colossians 3:11 (NIV)

Divisions Based on Politics

Why is it that BJP and Congress supporters cannot be friends or Democrats and Republicans have stopped socializing with each other. How can two friends or family members hate each other because of the politics they support? It is because Each side gives them the assurance that they are right and their beliefs are superior to others.

During Jesus’ days, there were two prominent political parties: the Pharisees and the Sadducees. They kept fighting each other for the right to the Sanhedrin, their parliament. They found new ways to deceive people and implemented increasingly strict laws to maintain their base.

What happened? Because of their infighting, both groups missed out on welcoming the Messiah who had come into their midst. Remember how their forefathers, like Abraham and Gideon, reacted when God came into their midst. These two groups did not get a chance to do the same. Let’s set aside our infighting and focus on what truly matters.

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her. – Luke 10:41-42 (NIV)

Divisions Based on Caste

Divisions based on caste are the ultimate source of division in our country. People do not mingle with those from lower castes and are often made to live in separate colonies. Government quotas designed to help the downtrodden are viewed with jealousy, which further exacerbates the divide. People are reluctant to marry into lower castes, and even churches have separate seating arrangements based on caste.

Certain people came down from Judea to Antioch and were teaching the believers: “Unless you are circumcised, according to the custom taught by Moses, you cannot be saved.” – Acts 15:1 (NIV)

Some early churches treated Gentiles with contempt, imposing meaningless rules designed to deter them. Are we doing the same by asking people to undergo baptism or change their names? We may not realise but our thoughtless actions can hurt someone or cause them to reconsider their faith. What we consider the norm could be totally foreign to another and even break their faith.

Divisions Based on Denomination

Sadly, the same state applies to the church, with thousands of denominations claiming to be the true path to Christ. There are more than forty thousand different denominations worldwide, each believing they are following the right way. Many denominations originated from historical disputes or schisms within larger religious traditions, such as the Protestant Reformation’s impact on Christianity. Religious practices and interpretations can vary significantly from one region to another, even within the same denomination, reflecting local cultures and traditions.

At first glance, we might find the practices of other religions and denominations strange or amusing because we have not grown up with them. However, if we take a step back and truly examine our own religion or denomination, we might also find it peculiar. Seldom do we find our practices weird or worth questioning. Instead, we are often encouraged to dislike those with different practices and sometimes even told that they are under the influence of the evil one.

They went out from us, but they did not really belong to us. For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us; but their going showed that none of them belonged to us. – 1 John 2:19 (NIV)

Often, we share the same sentiments as the author of the epistle above. However, we must remember that Christ died for the sins of the entire world, not just for Christians or Pentecostals, and He is willing to work in all our lives. Can we do the same and work unitedly with our fellow believers across various faiths and practices?

I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. – John 17:20-21 (NIV)

Micah’s Religion

Now this man Micah had a shrine, and he made an ephod and some household gods and installed one of his sons as his priest. In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit….And Micah said, “Now I know that the LORD will be good to me, since this Levite has become my priest.”
Judges – 17:5-6&13 (NIV)

In the time of the Judges, Micah an Ephramite, created his own image of God to provide the guidance he felt was missing, believing that the real God was unavailable to him. He thought that God could only communicate with humans through a tabernacle. This misconception, perpetuated by Moses and the elders, led people to depend on intermediaries rather than seeking a direct relationship with God.

Today, people give undue reverence to altars, church buildings, or pastors more than to their Maker. This is how we each interpret God’s words in our own way. While it may seem unusual to outsiders, it represents our personal reality. Our interpretations of God’s word often create barriers rather than bridges.

Jesus’ Instructions

Let us for a minute forget about Moses’ commandments or what people in our church claim to be the most important commandment but try to remember what was Jesus’ only commandment to us? Jesus’ central commandment is to love one another as He has loved us (John 15:12).

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. – John 13:34 (NIV)

The only commandment Jesus has given us is to love one another, yet we struggle to follow it. How can we preach the Gospel of love if we do not truly love those around us? We often feel jealous of others’ success—whether in academics, careers, or achieving life goals—and even of their spiritual growth. Although we may have different levels of faith and different gifts of the Spirit, we are all part of the body of Christ.

As members of this one body, each of us plays a unique and equally important role. We need to focus on building each other’s faith rather than using taunts and snide remarks to undermine someone’s hope. One person may possess wisdom and understanding but lack the strength to execute; another might lack foresight but diligently work on the task at hand; while yet another helps others but is uncertain about their own situation. Just as India achieved freedom only when its people learned to work together, we too will not achieve our mission if we cannot unite as part of the body of Christ.

Let us ask Jesus for His boundless Love to reflect in our lives so that we will not be deceived by the divisions created by satan. This love transcends all divisions and unites us as one body. Jealousy and competition have no place in the Body of Christ. Let us not allow our jealousy to hinder someone’s growth, as we are part of the same body. If the heart were to become jealous of the legs’ growth and stop pumping blood to the feet, it would disable the entire body from functioning. We must allow the Holy Spirit to work in our lives and not obstruct its work. The Holy Spirit does not cause divisions among the people of God but unites them.

“Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” – 1 Corinthians 12:27 (NIV)