1 Corinthians 12:12 Unity In Diversity

 

Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. 1 Corinthians 12:12

Paul uses the body as a great example of the body of Christ, the church. There are many parts but one body.

The human body is an amazing work of God. It has many different parts, yet they all work together in unity. A person needs the leg, just as much as he needs the hands. He needs the lungs, just as much as he needs the heart. If any part of the body is taken away, the rest suffers.

There are many people who view the church as very separate and not really in unity, because of the many different denominations that exist. While there is some truth in there being disunity in the various denominations, there is also some unity also.

Even inside a single church, there is always some diversity. Not every one agrees on everything. One may believe in outreach to children, while another is focused on outreach to the elderly. One person may have the gift of teaching, while another is more focused on prayer. One may like contemporary worship songs, while  another likes the hymnals. None of them are wrong. Each one is needed.

The focus of every believer and every church must be on following and obeying God and building His kingdom. For each person this may be a slightly different method. This is where diversity comes in, the many body parts. The unity is in the focus and the mission. The diversity is in the different methods.

The body suffers when one part is not functioning correctly in the way it is supposed to. The church body will also suffer when one part is not operating correctly. When a person or church group is not functioning in God’s will, everyone will suffer some.

Many people do not like the diversity, but it is needed. Take a look at your life and ask God where do you fit in with His body. What can you do to help the body function in a healthy manner?

Complaining and fighting against each other, will not bring about unity, but division. Focusing on building His kingdom and show love to everyone will bring about unity of His church, despite the differences in methods.

What is your part in His body?

I pray today that God will reveal to you the work you need to do; that God’s love will show through your life; that all churches will focus on God’s love and building His kingdom; and that God’s kingdom will be built through His people.