7 However, he has given each one of us a special gift through the generosity of Christ. 8 That is why the Scriptures say, “When he ascended to the heights, he led a crowd of captives and gave gifts to his people.”
9 Notice that it says “he ascended.” This clearly means that Christ also descended to our lowly world. 10 And the same one who descended is the one who ascended higher than all the heavens, so that he might fill the entire universe with himself.
11 Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. 12 Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. 13 This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ
Unity in Diversity
Yesterday, we were reminded of the incredible importance of unity within the body of Christ. There are many different expressions of church, and yet, we are all part of one Church.
Today, Paul expands on that thought by talking about the differences we find even within a local church. There are different gifts. Different callings. And yet, our goal should still be the same: unity.
Do you realize that the church is one of the few places where you can find people from different generations, backgrounds, interests, etc. all under one roof? The diversity of personalities that make up any local church is incredible. The fact that so many different people can come together in unity is, well, a miracle.
But it doesn’t happen without effort. You see, each person must have the maturity to celebrate the differences found in others. We have to be able to look at someone else, recognize the gift and calling they have, and learn to serve together in unity. A teacher and an evangelist think differently from one another. A prophet and a pastor approach an individual in unique ways. The key is honouring one another and recognizing that God brings all these diverse gifts together for a common purpose.
My prayer: Lord, may I never see my own gift as more important or valuable than the other gifts represented in my church. Likewise, help me to never consider my gifting as unimportant in achieving your purpose for the congregation you have called me to be a part of. We are all necessary and called to serve together. Amen.
Until tomorrow.
