Your Kingdom Come: God’s Heart for DiversitySample

Day 4 - We are one in His Body

 The Christian life was not meant to be walked alone; God places us into family, a community that He calls His body. 

“But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as He chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, yet one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and on those parts of the body that we think less honourable we bestow the greater honour, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honour to the part that lacked it, that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another.  If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honoured, all rejoice together.” (1 Corinthians 12:18-26)

There are some things we can learn from this scripture:

1) We are called to walk in synergy.

 Synergy is when the combined effect is greater than the sum of the separate parts and that is the way the body of Christ functions. We are better together - this design is chosen by God. Through His word, He  teaches us order giving us roles and gifts as He sees fit. 

2) We must serve each other. 

All parts of the body are indispensable being interdependent and in need of each other. Our actions will either build up or tear down the whole body and we each have a part to play so we must serve each other and serve God together. When we embrace who God calls us to be, there is no space for comparison which produces discontentment and division. But valuing ourselves and honouring each other breeds unity as we recognise the strengths each person brings.

3) We must suffer and celebrate together. 

It is about more than sympathy, we must be people of compassion choosing to empathise with each other in the highs and lows. Whether it’s the found in the little victories of the day or felt in the fights of a lifetime, we should be willing to identify with people in their experience.  

As the body of Christ, we are to walk together and war together. Withholding ourselves or detaching from the realities of others does not edify or build unity. This is us church, those who bring the very best of who we are sharing in various dimensions of life; living, loving and serving in the body of Christ. 

Reflection Points 

• What are your unique gifts, skills or passions that you can use to serve the church and its members?  
• Who can you honour and encourage in their unique talents and gifts? 
• Who can you walk alongside in church that is currently suffering or celebrating something  
• Consider whether comparison or prejudice has affected your relationship in the church. Pray against any divisive spirits at work