The largest building in the world constructed from bricks is the Malbork Castle in Poland. It was built in the 13th century by the Teutonic Order as a fortress. The castle boasts a whopping 30 million bricks! That’s incredible. This certainly was a formidable fortress in its day, and now is a beautiful historical site.
I was prompted to look up this piece of trivia reflecting on our discussion in small group a few days ago. Our group read in 1 Peter 2:4-5 which says, “As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” We discussed the importance of community, unity and individuals that comprise the body of Christ. Each one is significant.
Think about the Malbork Castle. So many bricks are joined together to become such a force. Each brick has a responsibility to hold on to the other adjacent bricks. Together these bricks form a significant force. In a similar way, believers in Christ are joined together as members of His body, being built up as a spiritual house, representatives of Christ on earth, worshiping together. Every believer has a responsibility to hold on to one another. The church, each member joined together like bricks, forms a significant force on earth. The church is like family, loving one another even when its difficult. Brothers and sisters in Christ caring for one another and helping one another grow spiritually and live faithfully.
But imagine if someone traveled to the Malbork Castle and chiseled out a single brick. Would it be noticed? Would it compromise the integrity of the structure? What if that person removed another brick and another brick and another brick? Wouldn’t the castle be weakened? Its beauty would be tarnished. The remaining bricks would bear more of a load. The castle would be incomplete.
Could the same be said of God’s church? What if a believer in a local congregation stopped coming? Would it be noticed? Would their absence compromise the strength of the congregation in the community? You get the idea, I’m sure. Every brick matters and every believer is significant in the church. We need one another. We are being built up together. You matter for the church and to the church.
Are you living up to your part?