(Part 3 further exploring the wonderful metaphor of BallRoom Dancing, this time focusing on the relationship between a Christian and the church …)

Part 1 (I’m only the frame; she is the picture): http://sojournhuntsville.org/blogs/bob_pratico/2006/11/25/im_only_the_frame_she_is_is_the_picture

Part 2 (two-in-one with unity & diversity): http://sojournhuntsville.org/blogs/bob_pratico/2006/11/25/two_in_one_with_unity_diversity

By definition, in BallRoom dancing, the desired change to become a better and more proficient dancer happens only in partnership. It can never happen individually by oneself. Change occurs in the “community” between the two partners. While there is obvious application here to the connection and growth of husband & wife together, there is another comparison I want to explore.

Because of our culture’s emphasis on individuality, some Christians in our culture mistakenly tend to foster an individualistic attitude that fails to see that the change of becoming more Christ-like (i.e., sanctification) happens in a community of believers, not in isolation. In dancing, the more time one spends in meangingful community with their partner and the dance community, the better dancer one becomes. In dancing, more quality time = more intimacy = stronger bonds = better technical skills. Similarly, if we desire to grow in our relationship and likeness with Christ, we must cultivate a close relationship not only with Christ, but also with His church. Our spiritual growth is tied directly to the strength of our relationship with the rest of the church.

Learning to BallRoom dance is very much a communal activity involving teachers, choreographers, private lessons, group instruction, social dancing, seminars, competition, exhibitions, etc. The closer the relationship with the dance community and the more involved, the better dancer he/she will be. It is impossible to learn how to dance well in isolation. The same principle is true for Christians - it is not possible to become a mature Christian isolated from the rest of the Body (Eph 4:11-16).

The New Testament uses several metaphors that emphasize this crucial interdependency among followers of Christ:

- the “body” of Christ (1 Cor 12:12-27)
- branches on a vine (John 15:5)
- a building (1 Cor 3:9)

A dancer can neither grow nor sustain their skill level in isolation. Even a proficient BallRoom dancer, if separated from his/her partner or the BallRoom community for any length of time, will find their skills and proficiency as a dancer quickly atrophying. Any part of our physical body that is removed (literally, cut off) from the rest of the body quickly dies and loses function. There is critical interdependency among all members/parts of my physical body. The same is true for the spiritual body of Christ, the church. A “lone-ranger Christian” is both an oxymoron and false proposition.

The New Testament has strong emphasis on the unity of the church: (i.e., John 10:16; John 17:21-23; 1 Cor 1:2; 1 Cor 1:10; Philippians 2:2; Eph 4:3; Eph 4:12-13), and warnings against those who cause divisions (i.e., Rom 16:17-18; Gal 5:20-21; Jude 19.)

Becoming a better Christian by myself? Not gonna happen. My spiritual power and Christ-like-ness is directly proportional to the soundess of my connection with His body.

God help me to foster intimacy and strong relationships with Your Church …

Bob
Fides Quaerens Intellectum
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Bob Pratico
Fides Quaerens Intellectum
(my Sojourn blog)