The body of Jesus Christ (i.e., the church) is an interesting organism. Like the various parts of a single human body, every member of this body has a role, and individuals are highly dependent upon each other to survive and to thrive. Unlike many common systems, though, each component of this collection is a completely free-willed human being, able to decide on any given day whether to serve in a God-given role. Can you imagine what would happen if even ten percent of the components in an automobile or train decided that they didn't feel like doing their job anymore? The results would range from inconvenient to disastrous. Not only that, but the other parts in this vehicle would probably resent those who weren't doing their job, and those bitter components would get too caught up in complaining to do their own job. No one would get anywhere in that situation. Our only hope for cooperative success is to follow a single set of directions. Like a bicyclist whose arms, legs, eyes, and ears must all work together to keep from falling over, our activities must be coordinated by a unique leader. In the body of Christ, Jesus is that leader. When we all listen to Him, he puts us in the right place, doing the right things, at the right time. When we don't, it's a wreck (although He still gives us grace to get through).Let's take a look at what the Bible has to say about various aspects of living within the community of believers in Jesus. It's not easy being a part of a group that is this diverse, but Jesus knew what He was doing when He planned the church to be exactly that.