The responsibility of belonging

I’m writing this right before I head out the door to tackle my sixth run in six days. I’m not usually a “run every day” kind of guy because rest is so crucial to the body’s recovery, but I’m also committed to something bigger than just myself.

I’m part of a team of runners all over who log their miles and compete against other virtual teams in weekly competitions, and this week is the first week of the semifinal round of the playoffs. So, I’m running a bit more than normal along with my other teammates. In short, I’m doing my part.

From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. (Ephesians‬ ‭4:16‬ ‭NIV, emphasis mine)‬‬

We all love to belong to things bigger than ourselves. A fan group, a running group, or in the case of our verse, the body of Christ. But there is a responsibility that comes with belonging, and that is a commitment to do our part.

In business, leaders shout all about the 80/20 rule — that 80 percent of the work is done by 20 percent of the people — and many church leaders shout it, too.

But what if only 20% of your body contributed meaningfully to your existence? We’d be calling 911, right?

There is only one principle that should describe the body of Christ, and that’s the 100/100 rule: 100 percent of the body (as each part) giving 100 percent for the body (does its part).

Why don’t we see this more? Because it’s so much easier to say we belong than to serve what we say we belong to. But belonging requires something of us, and that’s why I’m headed out the door on a cold morning when I’d rather stay in and drink coffee.

I’m part of a team, and that team needs my part. If you belong to the body of Christ, the same is true of you.

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