March 28, 1998
If an African national looked at the big picture of the American government bureaucracy, he would probably liken it to an overweight elephant. On the other hand, God intricately designed the members of the Church into a similar replica to the parts of the human body. Body Dynamics is an excellent instruction guide which expounds on the anatomy of the Church as related to the human body. Let the author of this essay explain to you some of the ways Body Dynamics has taught and impacted his life.
Perhaps the largest nugget of truth mined from this book has to do with humility. Dr. MacArthur emphasizes that in order for one to be complete in the body of Christ, he must have humility. Humility stems from a proper view of ourselves…how do we compare with the incomparable Christ? Through the use of divine measure, one has no room for self-braggadocio, realizing that God has dominion over all.
I also really appreciate Dr. MacAthur’s view towards leadership in the church, specifically for pastor-teachers. I am slowly learning how true his advice and perspective is through leading a small young men’s Bible study. The pastor’s role is to spur the members of the Church body to perfection in Christ. The Lord yearns for us to grow in spiritual maturity, and assists us in this task throughout our time on this earth, but ultimately bestows His glory on Christians through death. The passion of perfection is demonstrated in a pastor’s life through diligent study of Scriptures for teaching the body and equipping the saints for growth and maturity.
Don’t you love the "greeting time" between the beginning songs in your church service? I thoroughly enjoy this opportunity to greet people during and after the service. The fellowship of the body is a key ingredient in the life and unity of a church. Dr. MacArthur also expounds upon the fellowship of believers through communion with the Lord. He reminded and exhorted me that I should thoroughly search for and confess any sin in my heart before partaking of the bread and cup, so that nothing would hinder my fellowship with the Lord.
In addition, Dr. MacArthur explained how the different members of the body of Christ rely upon and are responsible to one another. Accountability in the body helps "spur on" spiritual growth and assists in prevention of sin. As believers, we are to come alongside and encourage one another "to love and good deeds". Besides preaching and teaching, I think this is one of the best ways to encourage spiritual growth in the body. Interacting with and setting an example in speech and conduct is a priority for the body’s members. I can testify to this fact… Even though there is much teaching in the church I attend, I have found that the best time to minister and uplift, as well as to be challenged, is in the fellowship with other believers after the service. This interaction through fellowship can build unity, spur on spiritual development, and strengthen a believer’s faith in the Lord.
Finally, Dr. MacArthur has challenged me to use the "spiritual gift(s)" God has entrusted me with to build up and edify the body of Christ. Although I am not exactly sure what my gift is, by God’s grace, I am going to strive in the Spirit’s strength to minister as God directs through the abilities He has given to me. Practically speaking, this might be…listening compassionately to a suffering believer, working at the church on clean-up or construction days, or teaching fellow believers the truths found in His Word through a home Bible study.
In closing, Dr. MacArthur has challenged me to do all I can to promote the unity of the body of Christ. This does not mean throwing foundational doctrine off the truck, but instead: "speaking the truth in love" (Ephesians 4:15a, NASB). I need to steer clear of petty arguments and dissention, and seek to edify Christ by building up one another through exhortation. When the members of the Body of Christ do this, it will turn the church from a flickering spark on a light-post into a radiating river of everflowing, life-giving light from a mighty lighthouse stabilized on a rocky shore.