If you watch each play of a football game, you will see 22 men each doing a specific task to accomplish a goal. If any one man does not perform his task, the whole play can be ruined. If the wide receiver cuts right instead of left, the quarterback’s throw might be intercepted or he might get in the way of one of his teammates. If an offensive lineman doesn’t block his defensive man, the quarterback is likely to be dead meat. Each person.’s task, though it may seem insignificant to him, is important. Each team member is responsible for the play and shares in its success or failure. Each player has certain characteristics that qualify him for his position and enable him to accomplish his task. The center is quick and powerful, which gives him the ability to snap the ball to the quarterback and block his defensive man at the same time. The wide receiver is fast and has “good hands” which enable him to get open and catch passes thrown his direction. The quarterback has good peripheral vision and a strong arm which enables him to spot receivers and get the ball to them, while avoiding the defense. The different capabilities of the players work together as a successful team.

In the same way, in the body of Christ,
1) each Christian has a specific task
2) each Christian has skills that enable him to accomplish his task
3) a successful church results when each person performs his tasks