Devotion:
Read Ephesians 4:1-6, 15-16.
In this scripture Paul is emphatic about the unity of the body of Christ. He talks about the diversity of gifts given to the members of Christ’s body. Through the Holy Spirit, each of us are given gifts that add a uniqueness to the body and its ministry. Not only are we supposed to be connected to Christ, but we are also to be connected to each other. We need each other so that we can share our strengths with each other in what we do. Diversity is always a plus. The church is supposed to be comprised of every tribe, tongue, and nation. Oftentimes, we try to limit the differences and maximize the similarities, which weakens the whole.
Paul says that the tension between similarity and diversity needs to be carefully maintained in order for the church to be truly whole and connected both to God and each other. The bond of peace that is ours in Christ binds us together as we fully use the diverse gifts we have received. When we put all these diverse gifts together, we can create the unity of a whole body, bound together in love, and completely able to serve our God.
Personal Worship Option:
What’s your place in the body of Christ? Does using your unique gifts serve the church’s oneness? Dear God, we celebrate our diversity, giving thanks for our gifts, and we ask that you bind us together. In the name of our Lord Jesus, we pray. Amen.
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