The Body of Christ

It was 1968, or possibly 1969, and I was enrolled at Southeastern Bible College; (later to be referred to as Southeastern University where I was fortunate to serve as an adjunct professor almost 4 decades later).

I was seated near the front of a New Testament or Missions course, and a “Sister” Ruth Breush was the teacher.

She proceeded to share a recent dream with her students.

“I stood before the throne of Christ, and gazed into His amazing brown eyes. Every hair was in place. His cheeks were rosy and full. I marveled at His handsome countenance.

But then my gaze dropped below His neck. His shoulders were slumped. His chest was emaciated. His ribs were skeletal in appearance. His arms were thin and withered.

Of course, I was shocked!

The body of Christ. The body of Christ! His head was beautiful, and healthy. But His body was sick and worthy of pity.

And then it occurred to me. The head, which is Christ, is glorious in heaven. The body, which are the people of God, is ill, dysfunctional and ineffective.”

I have wondered whether among all her students, I may be the only one who still remembers, and shares her dream.

May we, as the body of Christ, prove worthy of His expectations. May we make a difference. May we be people of excellence. May we be fortunate, no blessed, to one day hear that “Well done, thou good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Lord.”

 

By William McDonald, PhD. Excerpt from "(Mc)Donald's Daily Diary" Vol. 1