Author: Dr. Yvonne Huggins-Mclean
ONE BODY; MANY PARTS Part III
I Corinthians 12: 1. 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. For we were all baptized by one SPIRIT into one body…. [New International translation]
Scripture Discussed
Most scholars agree that 1 Corinthians is one of Paul’s letters (i.e., epistles) to the church in Corinth. It is written to Sosthenes, whose name in Greek means “Safe in Strength.” (1 Corinthians 1:1) Sosthenes was the chief ruler of the synagogue in Corinth. He was a believer. (Act 18:17) Paul considered Sosthenes a brother.
1 Corinthians 12:1 discusses an often-used analogy in the New Testament. The church is described as “the body” and CHRIST as “the head.” Believers are “the members” of the body. Just as the vine has many members or branches, so it is with “the body of CHRIST,” “the church.” CHRIST is the “THE TRUE VINE” (John 15). HE gives life to the church. Like a vine bringing together many branches (i.e., the individual members of the church), we achieve this unity in CHRIST when we have a CHRIST-like mind and spirit (e.g., a CHRIST-like love, a CHRIST-like sympathy, a CHRIST-like humility, a CHRIST-like willingness to be kind to others despite unkind treatment from others when doing good).
Loving GOD and loving one another should be the unifying force that keeps the body functioning as a unit.
Exercising The Parts – Part III – Arms – Punching Exercises
Straight Arm Air Punches
Start with one foot in front of the other about shoulder-width apart.
Put your hands up by your head and make clench your fists, making sure your elbows are tucked into the side of your torso.
Throw one punch at a time straight out in front of you as you turn your hips into the direction of the punch.
Now alternate between each hand.
See video for visuals: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_4Vt5lfEUE
Upper Cut Air Punches (with or without weights)
Stand with feet about shoulder-width apart and knees slightly bent. Both feet are facing straight ahead.
Make two fists and hold your arms next to the side with your elbows bent.
Punch the right fist in an upward motion, stopping firmly at around the chin level.
Allow your upper body to rotate and dip with the punch.
Tighten your abdominal muscles.
Alternate to the left fist with the same upward motion, stopping firmly at around the chin level as you bring the right fist back to the start position.
Continue to alternate between right and left fists.
See video for visuals: https://ca.physitrack.com/home-exercise-video/air-boxing-upper-cut
Side Chop Arm Exercises
Stand with feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
Imagine holding a sword upright with both hands and arms extended slightly in front of you.
Swing your arms to the side as if you are chopping bamboo with a sword.
Reverse and swing to the other side.
Do 10 reps; repeat.
See video for visuals: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LkAIHkKXYB4
If you have any health issues, balance problems, or medical issues, consult your physician about what arm exercises might be right for you. You may also want to consider working out with a trainer. Remember, every exercise may not be right for you. So, if you have a medical condition or concerns, again consult your personal physician first.
Each Part Matters
We all get one body. That one body has many parts. Each part is important in the well-being and function of the whole body. The same true in the body of CHRIST. Each member, each part is important. CHRIST gave HIS life for us all. Every life matters.
Love
GOD and love yourself. And as GOD commanded, love one another.
Continue to strengthen the body.
Be concerned, be conscientious, be prayerful, and BE BLESSED.