The human body is composed of several vital systems: They enable us to sit, stand, grow, breathe, digest food, eliminate waste, fight disease, and reproduce. Our brains, intellect, emotions, and volition control all these functions. We are an amazing creation. It is no wonder Paul chose the human body to explain the nature of Christ’s Body, the church. In Galatians 5, he writes, “The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ. Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit. Yes, the body has many different parts, not just one part. If the foot says, “I am not a part of the body because I am not a hand, that does not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear says, “I am not part of the body because I am not an eye,” would that make it any less a part of the body? …Our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where he wants it.” Based on this truth, it is foolish and prideful to claim superiority based on ethnicity, class, or any other manmade criteria.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr. is the founder and chairman of UMI (Urban Ministries, Inc.). Under his direction, UMI has grown to be a leading publisher of Christian education resources for churches in the African American community. Read More
