A Collective Bride

If one part hurts, every other part is involved in the hurt, and in the healing.
1 Corinthians 12:26 (MSG)

In the Body, we are nothing without each other.

The Word speaks about one bride and one bridegroom. Although we are individuals with differing personalities and varying gifts, in God we are considered one.

collective: denoting a number of persons or things considered as one group or whole, like a flock
(according to Merriam-Webster dictionary)

In order to advance, we have to run as one. All of the parts are important. Nothing can be considered insignificant, or less important.

It is tempting to leave the slower runners, or those who have veered off the path, behind. The Word of God in 1 Corinthians 12:12-26 makes it clear that this is NOT AN OPTION! It could be compared to showing up to your wedding with part of your dress missing.

"Weeds of discontent" can grow in even the most beautiful garden. We have to be sure they are picked while they are young and easier to pull. In a race, discontent causes lost focus, unnecessary grandstanding, and quitting.

The church must be a place where we take time to care about the "sick" parts of the body. We cannot just keep running past them, hoping they'll catch up (get well on their own) or forfeit (disappear entirely). We have to slow down to assist them with encouragement to stay in the race and keep running. We might have to sacrifice what we see as a successful lead to spend time ministering to, and serving each other. We have to show care to one another. It can be exhausting.

If we are to grow spiritually, and reach the finish line to be joined to our Bridegroom, it's going to be an all or none type of  deal. By the time we get  there we may feel bruised and battered, but Christ will embrace us as one cherished bride, collective, glorious and holy without spot or wrinkle.