Members of one another

Romans 12:3-8 ESV

For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.

Hebrews 10:24-25 ESV

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Rev Dwight Yoo

What does it mean to be a member of a church?

To belong to each other

Salvation is not by what we do but rather what Christ has done. It is started by the Holy Spirit. And the Holy Spirit will complete the work. What does this look like? All of life becomes an act of worship. The church is an integral part of this process. The process of becoming like Christ requires a church. When we become a believer by faith, we now have a relationship with every believer. We are all brothers and sisters to one another. Regardless of political stance, race, ethnic background, etc. When we are adopted into the body of Christ, we don't get to choose our family members. But we don't belong to an organization, we belong to a body of believers, the people of the church. We belong to the individuals of the local church. We are not a club where we can pay dues and get benefits. The church is not for consumers. It is a body. It requires both give and take. The eye requires blood to function. It also gives; it gives sight to the body.

To contribute confidently, but not condescendingly

Everyone in the body has gifts. They are all to contribute to the body. Some have more gifts than others in the body. But Paul tells us to watch our attitudes. That those who have more gifts have been given more by God by grace. These are gifts from God by grace, not by works. We are to be humble in contributing with our gifts. We are, as members, to contribute to the body. But we are also to use it with the right attitude.

Meeting consistently and constructively

We are to meet each other regularly. And not just to play, but to spur each other to do good works. We are to remind each other. We are to encourage one another. To keep fighting the good fight.

When we do not meet regularly, this can often come from idolotry. From fear of losing out in our career or school. We forget that living and loving one another is one of the marks of the Christian is the way we love one another.