Keeping the Backbone in the Body of Christ

Jesus’ incarnation body was made “like His brethren” (John 1:14; Hebrews 2:17). Physically, then, He had a backbone, which allowed Him to do the work of a carpenter
(Mark 6:3) and later to walk from city to city, village to village, and house to house to share God’s love and gospel (Acts 10:38).

Spiritually, Jesus possessed a backbone as well. Throughout His life, He demonstrated spiritual strength, deep character, and moral courage. He went toe-to-toe with the devil in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1–11), repeatedly stood up to the Pharisees (Matthew 23:1–39), and showed no fear of Governor Pilate who had the power to crucify Him (John 19:10–11). 

As Christ’s spiritual body on earth today, the church has many of the characteristics of His earthly body (cf. 1 Corinthians 12:15–18). It has feet to carry the gospel to the world (Romans 10:15), hands to minister to those in need (1 Corinthians 4:12; Galatians 6:10), eyes to see the fields white unto harvest (John 4:35), ears to hear the Macedonian call (Acts 11:22; 16:9), knees to bow in prayer (Ephesians 3:14), legs on which to stand for truth (1 Corinthians 6:13), tongues to sing God’s praise (Luke 8:1; Ephesians 5:19), and shoulders to bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2).

The church has a backbone, too. Its spine is observed in its stand for the doctrine of King Jesus. Paul asked for prayers that he might speak boldly, as he said he “ought to speak” (Ephesians 6:19–20). The implication is that the church ought to speak up, speak out, and speak for Christ.

What are the characteristics of a courageous church?