“Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone.” – 1 Corinthians 12:4-6
When you’re a follower of Jesus you’re expected to be a faithful and active member of His body and bride, the local church. Apart from the church you cannot grow or obey dozens of New Testament commands. Within the local church you must always remember an essential principle that empowers the church to be effective in making disciples. Within God’s church there must be unity in diversity.
That’s what Paul emphasizes as he begins an extended discussion of how our different gifts, skills, talents, and interests are meant to be brought together within the beautiful bride of Christ. He explains we aren’t all gifted in the same way. That doesn’t make some members better or more important. It makes us all different, with that difference being a gift of Holy Spirit Who gifts the church as He knows best. We aren’t all called to serve in the same way. In that variety of callings, King Jesus blesses and empowers every church to be complete for ministry. We aren’t called to participate in every single activity and ministry of our church, but in our God-empowered ministry we understand that we can accomplish far more for the Kingdom together than we can do separately.
What makes the church one in unity is our Triune God – Father, Son, and Spirit – Who is over us, with us, and in us. When we embrace that unity and celebrate how our God makes each of us distinct for His purposes, then we accomplish far more than when we insist on everyone being and doing the same. Don’t look down on others because they aren’t called to the same ministry or mission you are. Celebrate how different Christians have different gifts, abilities, and passions that help the church reach far more people. Don’t let differences become a point of comparison, jealousy, or contempt. Our differences are gifts from our God. A healthy church will usually have far more ministry going on than any one member can, or should, participate in. That’s a wonderful thing! It’s part of how Jesus gifts and governs His bride. Let His gifts operate and celebrate them!
Love your fellow church members. Love what makes them different from you. Extravagantly love what makes them united with you – the God Who loves, saves, and empowers you. Prioritize unity and love God’s diversity of abilities, interests, and talents. #FollowJesus