1 Corinthians 12:1-11
Paul makes a significant point in discussing the diversity and the unity of the church. “Now there are varieties of gifts,” he says, “but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone” (1 Corinthians 12:4-6). Yes there are differences within the community of faith. We are not all alike, we do not think or act the same, and we do not have the same abilities. But for every difference we find within the church God provides a unifying element.
Notice the symmetry that Paul uses. Gifts, services, and activities are matched with Spirit, Lord, and God respectively. Paul reminds us that just as the Triune God is really One, the church, despite it many parts, is really a single entity. So perhaps our greatest hope for unity within the faith is that the church is created in the image of God the same way that each of us is.
I take heart in these words. There are many divisions at work in our world, even within the people of God. There are schisms and church fights and angry words being hurled back and forth. None of this should happen. But if we will only slow down and pay attention we will see that, just as Paul assures us, our differences are really a blessing giving us each an opportunity to serve God in his or her own way. My hope is that by God’s grace we will each begin to share our gifts, our abilities, to God’s glory and for the betterment of those around us.
Prayer: Lord, help us to see that in you we are made one, and that in one another we find new and different expressions of faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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