What about the head of the church?
Guess what. The British Royalty is the (figure)-head of a surprising something else. The Church of England. Notice what Paul also says of Christ: he is the head of the church. Then the apostle goes on to say that the church is Christ’s body and even more that this fulfills all things.
One theme I see in all of this is that Jesus Christ is the example to us. He knew what God wanted, submitted to it entirely and obeyed to the utmost. As a result, he was exalted, and he was given dominion over everything. That sovereignty may seem hidden at the present time, but that is because it is different than we would expect.
Right now we are the church. When Paul tells us that the church is the body of Christ it means that we are to be living as Christ lived. The WWJD is not a thing to be mocked, but a thing lived. We are to follow his example. He dominated through truth, not the martial arts. He never called the legion of angels. He banked up power to live God’s way by getting alone with God the Father and praying.
In some manner, Jesus has placed certain things under our feet. The world will squeal, “Doormat!” We are to think servant-leader and head off to heal. We are to look at the things God has given us and be faithful in the management of them. Have dominion over the rough edges around us. Dominate, though, as Jesus would with love first, disciple second. We are to be longsuffering and patient only bringing out the powerplays as a last resort. When leadership and an offer of help do not mold the person or the thing we have been given dominion over then take the next step. Not before.
A daily example
When a colleague in my department brings an accusation against one of our trainees what should I do? Act on impulse aggressively punishing the trainee for their seeming delinquency? Or, go figure out their side of the story? Sometimes their side of the story does not add up. Sometimes it does. Sometimes the faculty member needs to be coached on the trainee’s perspective. Other times the trainee needs to be placed on a plan of remediation: the first step toward dismissal.
A wrapping up
God has put things like this under our jurisdiction. He does not give us exact answers about this or that, but he gives guidance on how to approach these things. Follow them and one will live. Kick against them and your toes will hurt. As we live our lives after his manner we are his body. We fill out his intentions: not with an invincible sword, but with kindness to aid, a style to live. A life that way the world simply finds inconceivable and something they will in some manner wish to have.
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