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

Quite recently, I've started to watch a cable channel which is totally dedicated to auto mechanics. I know practically nothing about cars, but I find these programs fascinating. Each program usually begins with an experienced mechanic finding an old wreck of a classic car with the intention of renovating the whole vehicle and upgrading it into a modern muscle car. The entire process is amazing, and I'm absolutely riveted to the screen, watching these super-mechanics recreate a wonderful new vehicle from scratch.

Sometimes, the auto engineers discover something seriously faulty in the car's system. An important part may be missing, or a wire may have been plugged into the wrong place. Occasionally, the original engine has to be stripped clean and laboriously taken apart. As I watch them do this, I often wonder how they will ever get it together again. But at some point, they do what would be impossible for me — they rebuild the engine and the car entirely, so that the old wreck becomes a brand new automobile which anyone would be proud to own or drive.

I think that the Lord is in the same business, especially when He rebuilds and revives His church. No matter how wrecked, out-of-date, or neglected a congregation may be, when the Spirit of the Lord moves through it, all of the parts — the people — become reconnected to God and one another. It's a beautiful process and one that I am presently seeing in the church that I serve. Folks are allowing themselves to be touched by Christ and the whole spiritual engine of the congregation is being renovated through prayer, service, and vision. It's as if the Lord had suddenly decided to bring all the loose parts together in order to work on the body and revive the kirk.

The apostle Paul was probably expressing this when he wrote to the Christians in Corinth about how the church is made up of many parts and how each one of them had both an important and essential part to play in the well-being, ministry, and mission of the local congregation. The great thing about his message is that it still applies today, and when we are open to the Lord's vision for our spiritual community, He is still willing to work on the body, renovate our spirits, and rebuild His church.

Point to ponder – Am I willing to pray for the revival of my local congregation? Do I know where my essential part is in this call to be rebuilt?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You love Your church so much that You call it Your Bride. We are grateful for being an essential part of Your ministry here on earth. Renew and revive us for the sake of Your continuing mission. In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

John Stuart <traqair@aol.com>
Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
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