You Belong to Christ

Paul ends 1 Corinthians 3 with a conclusive statement, “you belong to Christ, and Christ is God’s.” We already know that we are created by His own hands and for His own purpose. But, own is also an action word; as a verb, it means to possess something. Ownership is definitely pleasing and wonderful. To own a home, a car and other tangible possessions is gratifying. We understand the beauty and blessings of ownership, because we own so many things in this world.

However, ownership can also be unpleasant when one claims ownership of others, as in the case of slavery.  Or, when men claim to own women and vice versa. In this context, ownership is ugly and evil. Therefore, let’s get the bitter taste of the word out of our mouths, before we can taste the sweetness.

Speaking of sweetness, this is where the word belong comes in. What a pleasing thought to know you belong.  To belong, according to the dictionary is to be the property of, as well as to be a member of a group. Things we own often belong to us. It is natural that we have right to the things we own. Still, belonging  doesn’t always indicate ownership, but it always indicate friendship, fellowship, acceptance and partnership. With this kind of savory taste, we can say that we belong to Christ. This thought should leave hearts humming a joyful and hopeful melody of praise.

We are bought with a Price: We belong to Christ, for He paid a price for us at the Cross. He has every right to us because He created us, but to think that He owns us as property, in the context of owning houses, slaves and cars is unthinkable. He equipped us with the special gift of choice. We are not property, but He willingly partners with us in the work of the Gospel, when we willingly partner with Him. Salvation is available to all but we must choose and accept what Christ did for us.

We are members in God’s Family: In Ephesians chapter 2, He says “you belong to Christ Jesus, and though you once were far away from God, now you have been brought very near to him because of what Jesus Christ has done for you with his blood” ( verse 13). He also says that, “you are no longer strangers to God and foreigners to heaven, but you are members of God’s very own family, citizens of God’s country, and you belong in God’s household with every other Christian” (verse 19).

We are in His Care: This is the most precious thought associated with belonging and ownership. In most cases, if we treasure what we own, we take very good card of it. Therefore, that I’m in His care is the first thing that came to my mind when I read “you belong to Christ.” If I belong to Christ, He is keeping me, He is looking after me. He is providing for me. He knows everything about me, and His eyes are on me, everywhere I go. He knows everything I do. He won’t let anything happen to me that is not in His power to handle, for I belong to Him. Isn’t that precious? He hides me under the shadows of His wings and keeps me as the apple of His eye, for I belong to Him. That is all that I needed to know. And I hope it is all that you need to know for yourself.

When challenges surmount, just know that you belong to Christ. When you face danger, disaster, sickness, sadness, just keep reminding yourself that you are His. He is very mindful of who you are, where you are going and He is going to make sure that you get there, as long as you surrender and let him take care of you…His most treasured possession. As you live your days, keep these words on your lips, “I belong to Christ.” Keep saying them and ask Him to reveal to you the profoundness of what this really means.

1 Corinthians 16: 24, “My love to all of you, for we all belong to Christ Jesus.”