August 12

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If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing?… Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? 1 Corinthians 12:17,29-30

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🔊 There is a huge temptation for Christians to confuse unity with uniformity.  The temptation for a pastor is to want all his Church members to act the same.  He may even exhort them all to make identical responses, such as lifting up hands at the same moment.  Church members may find safety in knowing exactly what to do and when to do it.  But it is in the variety of our lives that God is truly glorified.  Just as the beauty of nature is in the blend of a thousand different shades of colour, so too the beauty of the Church is in discovering the wonder of Christ through the uniqueness of each person’s relationship with Him.  It is for this reason that it is dangerous for Christians to be taught by only one Bible teacher.  Paul said, “we know in part” – 1 Corinthians 13:9.  It is only through the many different expressions of the discovery of Christ that we can do justice to His greatness.  So, in practical terms, love Him and discover Him for yourself.  While each one’s relationship with God is built on forgiveness, purity and the power of the Spirit, yet each of us will by our unique character shed light on a different aspect of the character and love of Jesus.  Together, we are like a stained glass window.  The light pouring through is the same, but each different part highlights some different and wonderful aspect of our Saviour.