Created for a life of togetherness over individualism
A picture that resonates deeply with me is how we, as believers, function as one body in Christ. Maybe it’s because I’m trained as a physical therapist and have a deeper understanding of how the body works. I understand the intricate details of how the body is formed by bones, muscles, joints, ligaments, connective tissue, nerves, blood vessels, organs, and more! The knowledge that each of those parts has a specific function. At the same time, how individual body parts work together to accomplish a bigger task. One movement requires multiple parts of the body in a coordinated rhythm: running, skipping, shooting a basketball, climbing a rock wall. And as I frequently work with children with impairments, I’ve witnessed how a task is more challenging to complete or not even possible if a part of the body is missing or doesn’t function correctly.
“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 of one another. “
Romans 12:4-5
You do you.
Secular culture promotes a life of individualism. The messaging sounds something like this:
Do what you want and what makes you happy.
Be self-reliant.
You work hard, enjoy life the way you want to.
You are free to make choices. As long as those choices don’t hurt anyone, then they are the right choices for you.
Your personal desires and goals are of a higher value than that of others.
You do you.
The rise of technology and the ongoing pandemic have only added to this individualistic behavior. You can stay in the comfort of your own home and interact with those whom you choose to, presenting only parts of yourself that you want seen through social media. When you leave your house, you take your digital connectivity with you. You listen to podcasts or watch your favorite show or continue the social media scroll. You avoid eye contact with strangers or the simple smile and chat with the worker who rings up your items. Or you choose self-checkout to avoid that interaction altogether.
You have that personal conversation with your colleague on your earbuds in a public space because, who cares if others overhear? Working your corporate job from home or being self-employed from home are now viable options for income. Or how about watching the sermon of your choosing from the pastor on the other side of the country in a church you’ve never been to? You can even choose to “have church” when it fits your schedule for the week.
Stepping into your part.
But, do you know what else is on the rise in our country? Loneliness. Anxiety. Depression. I heard a recent statistic on a podcast I listen to that 40% of adults in America report having less than one close friend whom they can confide in. That’s almost half of our nation who are saying they don’t have someone to share the joys and struggles of life with. They are confessing that they feel alone.
We aren’t meant to live this life on our own. God created us uniquely as individuals so that we could be a part of something greater within the body. You are an individual who belongs to the family of God and finds purpose in doing your part within the body.
But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, yet one body.
1 Cor. 12:18-19
The physical body functions at its highest capacity when every part is working together in harmony. I’ll go back to the example of running because I’ve been a runner for almost 30 years. When I head out for a run, all of these parts start activating:
My brain thinks about the distance I’ll run and begins to map out the course. My eyes scan the road for curbs, surface changes, cars, and other people. I’m breathing air into my lungs through my nose and mouth that will oxygenate my blood which my heart will pump back through my arteries to supply every muscle engaged in movement. My arms swing back and forth in motion while my back and belly muscles support my spine to stay upright. My feet push off the ground while my hips and knees extend and then flex through the air to propel my body forward. Every step is a synchronous rhythm with each part of my body performing its purpose. Together.
It’s a life of togetherness that we were made for. Individual selves who are confident in their unique identity coming together to care for one another, work together, serve each other, and celebrate the beauty of the body as one.
That there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together, if one member is honored, all rejoice together.
1 Cor: 12:25-26
What if me became we?
Who would feel lonely if they were able to experience togetherness in this way? What if you were able to bring the suffering you are carrying to your community and know they would carry it with you? Your pain, your anxiety, your wounds that you tote around with you would be eased by a community who bore it with you. A heavy load is much lighter when lifted with many hands than when one carries it alone. Or what about when you are handed a new opportunity, are recognized at work for a job well done, have a high-five mom moment, or see God answer a long-time prayer? You wouldn’t hesitate to share your joy-filled news because you know that your community will celebrate with you. There’s no need for competition or comparison because you’re all committed to rejoicing with each other!
In this kind of togetherness, you find that you’d rather not be reliant on yourself. You recognize that a few close friends who are willing to walk through life with you are more valuable than the hundreds of acquaintances that “follow you” on social media. You start choosing to put away your phone in public to make eye contact and smile at the stranger in public. You’re showing up to do your part in making someone else in the body feel seen and cared for.
And maybe they don’t know that they are part of the body yet. They are wondering if they belong or matter to anyone else. They are unaware of the God who created, knows and loves them. Your kind word to them at the prompting of the Spirit could stir up something inside of them. Suddenly, they are considering what it would be like to be part of something greater than themselves.
Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests but to the interests of others. Phil 2:3-4
I’m choosing to live with a greater awareness that the body is less about me and more about we. I want to be a fully functioning member of the body. I’m ready to carry the pain and hardships of my community AND throw a party to celebrate their joys! I want to lean in, learn, and live into my part so that we will be a whole, healthy, and strong body.
A life that resists individualism for a life of togetherness.