I Corinthians 12: 1. The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with CHRIST. For we were all baptized by one SPIRIT into one body…. [New International translation]
Scripture Discussed
Most scholars agree that 1 Corinthians is one of Paul’s letters (i.e., epistles) to the church in Corinth. It written to Sosthenes, whose name in Greek means “Safe in Strength.” (1 Corinthians 1:1) Sosthenes was the chief ruler of the synagogue in Corinth. He was a believer. (Act 18:17) Paul considered Sosthenes a brother.
1 Corinthians 12:1, discusses an often used analogy in the New Testament. The church is described as “the body” and CHRIST as “the head.” Believers are “the members” of the body. Just as the vine has many members or branches, so it is with “the body of CHRIST,” “the church.” CHRIST is the “THE TRUE VINE” (John 15). HE gives life to the church.
Although some Christians might confuse the bricks, wood and mortar of their physical churches with “the church of CHRIST,” Peter later explained that it is not the physical building that is important but rather “the living stones” (i.e., the men and women) inside these physical houses that actually make up the church. (1Peter 1:5) These individual “living stones,” make up “the spiritual body,” when they come together around the “PRECIOUS CORNERSTONE,” who is CHRIST.
Although, some may state that the Pope is the head of the Roman Catholic church, that their
“pastor” is the head of their individual church, or some might even believe that one church body is more important than another church body, Paul explains in 1 Corinthians 12 that there is really only “one body.” While GOD has given many individuals special abilities or “gifts,” the same HOLY SPIRIT is the source of them all. 1 Corinthians 12:4. The function of every member of the body is to help or serve the entire church. The function of each part is to function well and to be a source of strength and unity to the whole body.
Exercising The Parts
It is easy to forget that the human body is made up a number of muscle groups and that each group requires attention. These are just some of them major muscle group in a body:
It is even easier to forget to exercise some of these groups, even for those who exercise on “regular basis.” One popular method of exercising some of the various muscle groups is circuit training. Circuit training is short bursts of exercises, sometimes using weights, and using frequent repetition to exercise various muscle groups. Usually the person goes from one muscle group to another, with little rest in between. The following are some circuit training routines:
If you have any health issues, consult your physician before beginning a new exercise program or ask your personal physician about a circuit exercise program appropriate for you. You may also consider working out with a trainer. You may need to stretch before beginning your circuit and afterwards. Also, remember to drink water and stay hydrated. Be sure to avoid any exercises in the circuit that make you uncomfortable (such as standing on a chair or doing chair dips). The important thing to start moving.
One Body
It is sometimes easy to forget that this is the only body we get. It is our duty to take care of this body and each of its members, for our own sake and for those we love. Equally important, we need to remember to take care of all the various members of our society (i.e., the homeless, the mentally ill, those who have left war-torn communities, those in prison, those in need) because of GOD mandates that we love one another, because HE, WHO gave HIS life for us, loved us. Today, let’s remember all the parts.
Love GOD, love yourself, love one another, and BE BLESSED.
