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).

Every time I go to the theater, I’m always amazed by the never-ending movie credits. In order to make that movie happen, it took around 500 to 1,000+ people working together and contributing their individual knowledge and talents.

How do you think a major motion picture would have turned out if only one person set out to create it alone? It would never make it to the screen because it’s an impossible job to do alone.

What takes place in ordinary churches is of far more lasting importance than even the biggest movie! We may not get the same attention as the latest blockbuster, but that doesn’t diminish the importance of our work. Ephesians 4:16 says that Christ is the head and we (the church) are the body. We were designed to fit together to make the body not only function but thrive. It is when all of the individual parts (each of us) work together in unity that we see growth. The support we get from Christ and each other helps us to build a resilient core that could never be possible on our own.

Paul uses the body analogy in this week’s passage.  We were created to live, work, and grow in community with other Christians. When we do this, we become stronger and more resilient, just as the physical parts of our bodies develop health and resilience when each part makes its unique contribution.  Not only does this unity help us to fulfill the purpose that God has for us, but it also helps us not to fall when we face stress and hardship. 

My introverted personality makes it easy for me to be alone. I actually enjoy it most of the time. In addition, my independent nature makes me strive to achieve things on my own. However, it took me many years to learn that I am not better alone, even if it is easier or even preferable at times.

When I think back to how I grew to be a more resilient Christian, I think of a long list of people who helped me. Some were teachers, encouragers, preachers, missionaries, and friends. I didn’t do it on my own, and I still need people to help me continue to grow and serve Christ.

Do you want to build a resilient core? Try joining a small group or a Bible study, serving in the church, and attending church services in person in order to build up community. Being engaged with the body helps you (and others) to grow into a mature Christian who not only stands firm in the midst of trials and hardship but is able to do immeasurably more than if you tried to go it alone.