1 Corinthians 12:27 Now you are the body of CHRIST, and each one of you is a part of it. [New International translation]
Discussion
The 12th chapter of the first letter to the Corinthian church was authored by Paul, who describes himself as “called to be an apostle of JESUS CHRIST” and Sosthenes, who Paul describes as “our brother,” and who, in Acts 18:17, is described as “the chief ruler of the synagogue in Corinth. See, 1 Corinthians 1:1. Throughout this letter, there is a frequent theme and appeal for unity.
For example, in 1Corinthians 1:10, Paul discusses the unity of mind. Here he begs his listeners to avoid arguments, divisions and splits and dissensions over who they each believe they are “mentally attached” to in leadership or inclined to follow. For example, some claiming they are “followers of Paul” or “for Peter” or “Apollos.” Paul discourages these kinds of mental “alliances” which he describes as trying to “break CHRIST into many pieces.” Deemphasizing his own importance as well as the importance of each of these mere human leaders, Paul asks “did I die for your sins?” If they want to align themselves or boast of anyone, Paul suggests they boast of CHRIST. 1Cor.1:31.
Similarly, 1 Corinthians 12:27 is another appeal for civil unity. Using each person’s human body as an example, with its various parts (head, hands, feet, ears, eyes) Paul, tells the Corinthian believers that they are members of “The body of CHRIST.” This idea lends itself to many comparisons. There is a comparison of each person being a unit (like the units of the body) with CHRIST as “the head.” There is the comparison of each person having various gifts and functions but they must all come together for the good of the whole body, if the body, which is still ONE, is to function properly. In other words, two feet, can’t just walk off in different directions or decide they each want to be left feet, causing the body to stumble and fall. Each part needs to do its proper part and be “appreciated.” Paul wants no discord “in the body.”
The “we are the body of CHRIST” scripture also lends itself to the importance of CHRIST being able to use each of us for HIS good. This is how Teresa of Ávila put it:
“Christ has no body now but yours. No hands, no feet on earth but yours.
Yours are the eyes through which he looks compassion on this world.
Yours are the feet with which he walks to do good.
Yours are the hands through which he blesses all the world.
Yours are the hands, yours are the feet, yours are the eyes, you are his body.
Christ has no body now on earth but yours.”
You are GOD’s “hands and feet” in the world.
HAND AND FINGER EXERCISES
So often when people exercise, they think of “big” muscle groups. Sometimes, the “little things,” like the hands or fingers get overlooked. Here are some stretch exercises for both:
- Seat yourself in a comfortable chair with your hands extended on each side. With your index finger (i.e., the pointer finger or the first finger) and the thumb on each hand make an “O” shape, making the “O” as round as possible, keeping the other fingers straight as possible. Then continue to make the same “O” shape with each of the other fingers, again, keeping the other fingers straight. Hold each circle stretch for 30-60 seconds. Repeat 4 times on each hand.
- Seat yourself on the floor with your back straight. Feel free to use a wall for support. Place your hands on each side of you with your palms toward the floor. Now gently press your palm into the floor. Repeat. This stretch opens up the top of the wrist.
- In a standing position, place your hands in a prayer position with your elbows touching each other. With your palms pressed together, slowly spread your elbows apart. Do this while slowly lowering your hands to waist height. Stop when your hands are in front of your belly button or you feel the stretch. Hold for 30 seconds, then repeat.
- Finger Lift. Place your hand flat, palm down on a table or flat surface. Gentle lift one finger at a time of the table and lower it. You can also raise all the fingers and thumb at once and lower it. Repeat 8-12 times on each hand. This exercise increases your range of motion and flexibility on each hand.
- Thumb Flex. Place your hands in front of you palms up. Extend your thumb away from your other fingers as far as it will go. Then bend your thumb across your palm until it touches the base of your little finger, keeping the other fingers in place. Hold for 30 to 60 seconds. Repeat about 3-4 times with each thumb.
If any of these stretches cause pain, stop. If you have an injury, condition or are concerned about doing any of these exercises, consult your own personal physician for exercises appropriate for you.
See, https://www.webmd.com/osteoarthritis/ss/slideshow-hand-finger-exercises and https://www.webmd.com/osteoarthritis/ss/slideshow-hand-finger-exercises for more information about hand and finger exercises.
YOU
1 Corinthians 12:27 says “you.” In other words, Paul and Sosthenes are being upfront and personal. It’s not the government, not your president, not your legislature, not your neighbor, not the wealthy, not the healthiest, not the fittest, nor the smartest, nor someone else. It’s you. Your walk, your eyes, your hands, your compassion, your feet and your unity with other believers is how GOD will bless the world.
At times world disharmony, the vastness of human need, the depth of world suffering and despair may at times seem daunting. But Paul reminds us: “No eye has seen, no ear had heard, no mind has conceived what GOD has prepared for those who love HIM”. 1 Corinthians 2:9. Trust GOD. Have faith. Do your part and your best!
Be the body and BE BLESSED.
