In the Bible, the apostle Paul often describes the church as the body of Christ. Paul’s metaphor of the body helps us understand our function within the church. Paul makes the point that though it is made up of many parts and consists of many members, they are all part of one body. Each part is needed to function as a whole.This is also how the church is—one because Christ is one. We can no more separate Christ from His church than we can the head from our body. Every believer in Christ belongs to the church. We are all unique and have special gifts to offer each other. Every gift a believer has was specifically chosen for us by God for the good of the church. There is no part weaker or less honored. Whatever individual gifts and talents you have builds up the body. Every member of the body matters. We also should value other people’s gifts. We need each other and have a job to do in the church. When we are in a relationship with Jesus, we are therefore in a relationship to each other. Church members should work together in unity. We are all expected to serve in some manner because this brings us closer to Jesus.A prominent Chicago businessman said to evangelist D.L. Moody: “I believe I can be just as good a Christian without the church as I can be with it.” Moody said nothing in response. Instead, he went over to the fireplace where a fire was blazing to give heat against the winter cold. He removed a single burning coal and placed it on the fireside. The two men sat in silence as the hot coal died out. “I see,” said the other man. “I’ll be in church on Sunday.” This story affirms Paul’s teachings to the Corinthians—in the body of Christ, we need each other.