The Lone Ranger

For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. Romans 12:4-5 NIV.

I loved the Lone Ranger show as a kid. My parents bought me the toys. Then I dressed like him one Halloween. My sister was Tonto. He would ride the wild west solving crimes and capturing villains.

The Texas Ranger Creed is One Riot, One Ranger. Christianity is the opposite. We cannot be alone on our walks with Christ. It may cause a riot within us. I know people who tried. They isolated themselves because of treatment in the past. They got offended by a leader or an individual. The cultural term is they left the church, not God. But the majority left Him.

It's a problem because we are a body. We need believers, and they need us to function. We are a family. There are always members involved in unintelligent acts. Ones that offend. But to step into a lone ranger mentality is dangerous.

The Bible says we are all connected to one body: no denominations, secondary doctrines, or separations like in religion. Our growth is individual but also relies on others. If a part of our physical body malfunctions, it could stop altogether. It is spiritually the same. We need each other to function. Many hands equal one Spirit.

Someone shared a dream at prayer this week. The Lord showed them a large room. People got crammed in it. All those people functioned. No small or big task was insignificant. It is all connected to the glory of God.

We all have gifts. They are important at all levels. People receive joy when they serve in their design. Let’s encourage one another as we all move forward. One day, we'll all be together forever. Remember, even the Lone Ranger had Tonto.

We pray for lone rangers, Lord. Help them return to the body of Christ. Then help us all to see our true callings in You. Would You do that for us, Jesus? Help us find our functions as we draw closer to You this week. In Jesus’ name, amen.