Day 268 Bible Reading: Isaiah 46-48, Ephesians 4:1-16, Psalm 68:19-35 and Proverbs 24:3-4 
The church could be compared to many objects or illustrations, but God has chosen to use the metaphor of a body. Have you ever wondered why? If you don’t notice and take care of even something as small as a damaged tooth, what will happen? If the nerve connections between your brain and your hand are momentarily broken, what happens? Just as each part of the body is important and must be lovingly cared for, so too for the church – you and your brothers and sisters in Christ – are part of an even more invaluable whole!
"From whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love." – Ephesians 4:16 (English Standard Version)
"Lord, help me to see and meet my responsibility to other members of the body of Christ – in love. Don’t let me confuse gossip with concern. As we grow closer together may we also grow closer to you. In Jesus’ name, Amen."
