Mr. Potato Head

The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ…
Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.
1 Corinthians 12:12, 27

The Body of Christ is a key analogy that the apostle Paul used to describe the community of believers – the church. It is a great analogy. It reminds us that we are not so much an organization but an organism – active, living and dynamic. It reminds us that we are one, that there is an important sense of unity that all who are followers of Jesus should share as we work together to live out God’s mission in the world. It also reminds us that though we are one, there is also great diversity and that each of us has a special and important role to play within the body. Without the contributions from each of us the body will not function as it should.
Another key point that the body analogy reminds us of is the head. The head is what leads, directs and controls everything else. Christ is the head of the church. He provides the means to be a part of the body, is what holds us together and is the one who must lead and direct all that we do. It is here that I think Mr. Potato Head provides a brilliant image. There is no doubt when you look at a Mr. Potato Head, that the head (the potato) is central to everything else. It is where all the other pieces are stored, and when you play with it, it is where all the pieces attach. The head is where it is at! It is a great reminder to the church that without the head we are just a random bunch of appendages which, when you think about it, is gross not to mention useless.