Being the Body of Christ

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July 26, 2026

Sermon: “Being the Body of Christ”

Scripture: Romans 12

‍ ‍Reverend Betty Jo Sims

Many congregations have members with intellectual disabilities who serve faithfully. One church member with Down syndrome became known as his congregation's unofficial hospitality minister. He greeted everyone by name every Sunday. He remembered birthdays, asked about people's families, and noticed when someone had been absent.

‍Visitors often commented afterward, "I've never felt so welcomed."

Romans 12 lists gifts like encouragement, service, leadership, and mercy. None of these gifts depends on academic achievement or professional success. This member's gift of hospitality embodied Christ's welcome in ways that transformed the church.

The congregation eventually realized they were not merely including him in ministry; they were receiving ministry from him. Because Every member of Christ's body is both a recipient of grace and a bearer of grace.

We are called to be the Body of Christ. What does that mean to you? Does it remind you that we are all different? That we are all needed. The Body of Christ – the church – is not all hands, or ears, or feet. The Body of Christ refers both to the Church as a spiritual organism united in Christ and to the real presence of Jesus with us.

In the New Testament, the phrase “Body of Christ” depicts all believers collectively united in Christ by faith. Paul emphasizes that believers are like members of one body, each with unique functions, yet all are dependent on Christ as the head.

This metaphor illustrates the Church as a living, interconnected spiritual organism where unity, diversity, and mutual dependence are essential. Believers are joined to Christ in salvation, follow Him as their Head, and are indwelt by the Holy Spirit, making the Church the tangible representation of Christ in the world. ‍

Psalm 139:13-18 says, we are “Created by God. we are fearfully and wonderfully made” highlighting the diversity of people as worthy and known by God even before birth. Precious in thought, the diversity in ways of thinking and seeing the world are unique and bring value in all the wonderful ways. ‍

We are One body in Christ- Each one with diversity in our brain make up. We each bring unique gifts and graces to our church to be used for the benefit of all of us. gifts that each unique brain brings to the table. When we Share our gifts and notice the gifts in others and how they enhance our world, we should be encouraged and should, in turn, encourage and welcome all these gifts in the church.

‍Today is diversity awareness Sunday in our churches. It is a day to remind ourselves to be more aware of persons who act differently from societal expectations, and for us as the church to welcome and include these people with all of their gifts and differences

‍‍Let me give you a couple of examples. The first was the greeter in the small church. His gifts filled a much needed role in his church.

‍A small church in the Midwest has a great pianist. She had a stroke and was out for a time. When they welcomed her back, they were concerned for her – and themselves. You see, she had lost the use of one hand after her stroke. Many assumed she would no longer be able to serve in music ministry.

‍Instead, she learned one-handed arrangements and continued leading worship. Over time, the congregation realized something unexpected had occurred - they sang more confidently because they listened to one another instead of relying solely on the piano. Her limitation changed not only her ministry but the congregation's participation.

Paul writes that we have "gifts that differ according to the grace given to us." Her gift was never merely technical skill. Her ministry was faithfulness, perseverance, and leading God's people in worship.‍ ‍

Sometimes God renews our minds by teaching us that ministry is measured less by perfection than by offering ourselves wholeheartedly. She became a living sacrifice, not a flawless sacrifice. God receives what she faithfully offered.

Okay, one more story to illustrate my point –

Jessica Long, one of the most decorated Paralympic swimmers in history, was born with a condition that led to the amputation of both her legs below the knee as a child. She has spoken about learning perseverance, identity, and purpose through both success and struggle.

What many teammates and coaches have noted is her influence beyond the pool—her encouragement, resilience, and willingness to support others through setbacks.

Romans 12 reminds us not to "think of yourself more highly than you ought," but to recognize that every gift comes from God's grace.

Jessica Long's story illustrates that identity is not determined by physical ability but by faithful use of the gifts one has been given. You see, God does not ask whether our abilities match someone else's. God asks whether we will offer what we have for the good of the whole body.

As we look at our scripture for today in Romans 12, what is Paul saying to us about spiritual gifts?

I believe he is saying that as people, we are all different. 

We have different educational backgrounds, we have different vocations, and we have different interests.  We often talk about our talents and abilities.  These work together with our education and interests for our vocations.  Singing is a talent, not a spiritual gift.  Cooking is a talent, not a spiritual gift.

But the spiritual gifts are a part of our Christian walk.  How many of you would be comfortable up here delivering the sermon or leading worship? 

How many of you feel called to lead a committee or our Council? 

How many of you feel called to teach our Sunday School classes or a Bible Study?

Paul says if your gift is service, devote yourself to serving.  if your gift is administration, devote yourself to the administration of our church. if your gift is exhortation, devote yourself to being a preacher, teacher, or speaker. 

if your gift is giving, give with no strings attached.

if your gift is encouragement, devote yourself to encouraging.  And if your gift is teaching, devote yourself to teaching.‍ ‍

Spiritual disciplines can take as much effort as you wish to put into them.  Participation in corporate worship, Bible Study, and Holy Communion are practiced with other Christians. 

‍‍Some disciplines are pretty simple and are intended for daily use – like prayer.  You can start your day with God before you ever get out of bed.  Author Adam Hamilton encourages 5 daily prayers -  use Hand – when you get up, the three meal times, and when you go to bed.  ‍ ‍

You can add devotions, scripture reading, meditation and scripture study on a daily to weekly timeframe.  Whatever fits your schedule.  Write it on your calendar and plan that time of solitude to be with Jesus.  

So, what are your gifts and graces?

‍What are your talents and abilities?

What are the needs of our two churches?

How can we use what we have to help in the ‍church and benefit others?

These are your questions to ponder this week.

‍When you have some answers, let’s talk.

‍‍I have a short list of needs already!!

In the name of the Father, The Son, and the Holy Spirit.