Working as Part of His Body
We're not meant to work alone. We're part of Christ's body, and that changes how we approach our work and relationships.
Western culture celebrates the lone achiever. The self-made success. The individual who rises above the rest.
But Scripture gives us a different picture: we're part of a body. Not independent parts, but interdependent members. And this has profound implications for how we work.
The Body Principle
Paul writes: "Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ."
This isn't just about church on Sunday. It's about how we live and work every day.
You're not a standalone unit. You're part of Christ's body. You have gifts that others need. Others have gifts you need.
How This Changes Work
When you see yourself as part of Christ's body, work looks different:
You value others' contributions: That colleague isn't competition—they're another member of the body with different gifts. Their success doesn't threaten you; it strengthens the whole body.
You work from your strengths: Just as the eye doesn't try to be a hand, you don't need to be good at everything. Focus on your gifts, and trust others to operate in theirs.
You seek input and wisdom: Pride says "I should figure this out myself." Body-consciousness says "Who in the body has wisdom for this?" You're not too proud to ask for help.
You share resources and knowledge: What you've learned isn't just for you—it's for the body. Share generously because that's how the whole body grows.
You serve others' success: Sometimes this means helping a coworker succeed, even when it doesn't directly benefit you. You're working for the body's good, not just your own advancement.
In Business
This applies whether you work for a company or run your own business:
Build collaborative relationships: Look for other believers doing excellent work in complementary areas. Partner, refer, support each other.
Mentor generously: What you know could help someone else grow. Don't hoard knowledge—invest in others.
Receive mentoring humbly: You don't have to figure everything out alone. Learn from those ahead of you.
Create community: Work can be isolating. Build relationships with other believers in your field. Pray together. Share struggles. Encourage each other.
Think beyond your organization: The body extends beyond your company. How can you serve and strengthen believers in your industry?
The Tension
There's a tension here. The workplace is competitive. Helping others might not benefit you directly. Sharing knowledge might help someone who becomes a competitor.
But kingdom thinking is different from worldly thinking.
When you strengthen another member of the body, you strengthen the whole body—including yourself.
When you operate from scarcity (there's not enough success to go around), you hoard and compete. When you operate from abundance (God has plenty for everyone He calls to succeed), you can give freely.
Practical Steps
Identify your gifts: What has God equipped you to do well? Don't try to be everything—focus on your part in the body.
Find your community: Who are other believers in your field? Connect with them. Don't try to work in isolation.
Ask for help when you need it: Pride keeps us isolated. Humility connects us to the body.
Offer help when you can give it: Who could benefit from what you know or what you can do?
Celebrate others' success: Train yourself to genuinely rejoice when other members of the body succeed, even in areas where you compete.
Pray for others in your field: This shifts you from competition to collaboration in the Spirit.
Remember
You're not alone. You were never meant to be.
You're part of something much larger—Christ's body, working together to accomplish His purposes.
Your work matters. Your gifts matter. But they're meant to function in relationship with others, not in isolation.
Who in the body can you connect with today? Who can you serve? Who can you learn from?
Work as part of the body, not as an isolated individual.
That's how God designed it.