I work for a multisite church, which means we are one church with several congregations. We follow the same sermon series, share resources, and build joint efforts to serve our city, country, and the world. We contextualize for our specific locations, neighborhoods, and members, but at the end of the day, we are one church. Is it always easy? No. But it’s a beautiful exercise in practicing what it means to be God’s global Church: one holy body serving the one holy God.
We live in a not-so-unique time in church history, where denominations are shrinking and splitting and the global Church is grappling with what it means to be the unified people of God. There are myriad ecclesiological debates about who or what makes a Christian, where and how we should worship, how we should engage in the public square, and many more issues.
Paul knew more than a little about this, because church debates are nothing new. The entire letter of Galatians is about sifting the truth of the gospel out of the false teachers who add to it. In 1 Corinthians, we are warned against potential divisions in the church, while 1 Thessalonians celebrates the Church coming together in the face of persecution. Colossians urges believers to stay focused on Jesus in the midst of a world that isn’t.
Paul’s letter to the Ephesians includes a series of “one” statements that describe the Church, and they appear in today’s reading from chapter four. The Church, preserved by the unity of the Holy Spirit, is one body (Ephesians 4:4), has one Spirit (v.4), has one hope (v.4), with one Lord (v.5), one faith (v.5), one baptism (v.5), and one God and Father of all (v.6).
Like wet clay on a pottery wheel, these seven statements spin together the foundation of the Church. Without form, clay stays lumpy, spread out, and without shape or purpose. But when run through the wet hands of a skilled potter, the purpose, form, and intent become clear. The Church is made up of humans, fallible and foolish. But in the skilled and steadfast hands of our Father, the Church becomes beautiful, useful, and good.
In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul wrote about the many expressions of the body of Christ. When I was a child, I thought this meant something incredibly small: that if I was good at singing, someone else was good at preaching, and together we would make a church service. But the older I get, the more I see just how big the Church Paul is describing truly is. I make my home in a denomination that is known for certain things, and I have dear friends who make their homes in very different denominations but who bring to God’s kingdom an emphasis on justice and mercy, lovingkindness and care for the poor and marginalized. Still others emphasize the beauty of being born again, of fighting the ongoing stain of sin on our lives. We are a symphony, each bringing the strength of our instruments to bear in service of the whole.
When we are raised together in resurrection days, the one thing that will unite us is our belief that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and that He died, was buried, and rose again. We share, collectively, in one resurrection. I pray for Church unity. I pray for forgiveness and peace, and I am thankful for a God who reconciles all things to Himself. Being part of the Church body isn’t always easy, but it is beautiful. May we rejoice in being one body, with one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism—and of one God and Father.
Leave a Reply
65 thoughts on "Unity and Diversity in the Body of Christ"
❤️
Reminds us we all were created by one God!
How beautiful are the hands and feet of Jesus! When we walk in our gifts, not looking at the differences but still seeing the beauty and harmony…Jesus loves when we walk in unity!
Amen ❤️
❤️
The reading today really reminds me of one of my favorite scenes of the Chosen, “Behold how good and how pleasing brothers could sit together in unity”, when Jesus sings to the little children. Thank you Jesus!
Hello Shes
My church struggles to get members to step up & volunteer for several important tasks. I’ve “tried on” many different roles but always come back to the one that suits what I see as the best fit for me. Working within I believe a God-given gift.
But, Gee, I can feel guilty. We’re a small congregation & Sunday comes around every, well, Sunday. And the underpinnings of the church have to be maintained. All the makings of what’s seen in front & behind the scene that makes communal worship & community service beautiful & meaningful.
Do other Shes face a similar concern & address it comfortably & clearly for peace of mind? I pray for patience & perspective. One woman serving One God. Grateful for the warmth & wisdom this community never fails to deliver.
Dear Gwineth, praying for you and your church ❤️
Gosh, I finally had a good nights sleep and I almost feel like I can’t concentrate. Foggy…But I also liked the pottery wheel analogy!
ONE –
that brought to mind an old hymn:
We are one in the bond of love
We are one in the bond of love
We have joined our spirit
With the Spirit of God
We are one in the bond of love
Let us sing now everyone
Let us feel His love begun
Let us join our hands
That the world may know
We are one in the bond of love
Praying for you sisters. SEARCHING- I am so sorry to hear that! Praying better sleep for a clear mind for those projects and for guidance and wisdom for pain resolution soon! Sending gentle hugs! ❤
Beautiful example of how God uses each of us to accomplish His will. Everyone had something to add and bring a different perspective. It helps us grow and mature! You are all amazing and please never listen to the lie of our enemy that you have nothing to contribute! God uses all of us! Just like a beautiful colorful mosaic, it takes all the little pieces to make the Church! We need each other and we need our individual churches. If you are not attending somewhere in person, please start. Nothing replaces assembling in C person.
Love you all and praying for all.
Yes, Amen!
GM She’s!
Being wise in Unity, in love, but not like little children, but in mature wisdom! Got it! lol. Seems pretty easy- yet. The crafty devil knows how easy we would rather fight and disagree.
The song playing now (seems to happen everyday!), is “First Thing First” by Consumed by Fire. Here is a bit..
First thing’s first
I seek Your will
Not my own
Surrender all my wants to you
Keep the first thing first
To live Your truth
Walk Your ways
Set my eyes
Lord I fix my face on you
All my desires reversed
To keep the first thing first
I give it all
My life an offering
My heart is yours
So have Your way in me
Your kingdom’s all I wanna seek
@Linda G–prayers and hugs
@Lynn-prayers and hugs
@Searching–Praying the pain eases. I saw my massage/cupping girl yesterday, it felt amazing for my poor back and hips, and nerve damage leg.
@Wendy B- Continued prayers
I like Consumed by Fire! Good songs.
Years ago I was a part of the Emmaus Walk community in my area. It was so beautiful to see people from all denominations come together for one purpose, helping strengthen the Christian community. That’s the first thing I think of when I think of the bigger church. We could set aside our differences and focus on our similarities and put on powerful weekend retreats that changed people’s lives. When we work together, there is so much we can do!!
Happy Wednesday sweet She’s!
Loved the pottery wheel analogy!
———————-
Father God we ask you to work mightily in the heart of Your Church. Bind us as one. We are of one body, one Spirit but so often we are of different minds. Please forgive our “in fightings”. Let us not be divided. Help us to be the light and testimony of Jesus Christ. Unite us as one in what we can agree on – Jesus died for our sins, was buried and rose again. May your love shine on us and through us and May we bring glory and honor to Your name. In Jesus Name Amen.
——————
@ Taylor – it is nice to see you back! Prayers for you as you begin your new work season.
Have a blessed Wednesday sweet She’s! ❤️
Yes, I agree about @Taylor! Glad to see you back, girl. “Keep reading your bible!” as they She Reads Truth hosts always say on their podcast!
God bless you, Sharon, how is your husband doing? Sorry if I missed any of your updates.
Amen
“Let us not be divided”. Amen Sharon
Peace and grace be upon you all this day!️
Oh yes Sharon, Jersey girl, the in fightings, upsetting and in need of forgiveness. In my early young adulthood I would have conversations with my parents about denominational differences. I was able to come to my own understanding that as long as the truth of salvation was the foundation, worship style and the pre-tribulation versus post-tribulation didn’t determine a person’s Christianity. I’m grateful this study continues to use God’s truth to show that the denomination is not the deciding factor in a person’s faith.
Same here, Sharon! I always get something new with the potter analogy. Today, I was reminded that a potter’s fingerprints are literally all through the creation as the hands and fingers form it. Praise God! We are His hands and feet, but His Hand print is in our design. I hope that makes sense!
Amen to your prayer, Sharon! ❤️
Amen!!!
What struck me today was the the gifts Christ gave His Church (Eph 4:11) were given to bring us to the point of unity and maturity so that we are have the ability to stand firm against false teachings. Then we can live in peace with one another and be the hands and feet of Jesus.
.
Seems like another one of those things only God can do.
.
Praying for your requests.
He can do so much! ❤️
I noticed something today that I’ve never noticed before. The amount of times I have thought, I could do that if only I had more faith. Or beat myself up for not having enough faith. And yet Romans says: Instead, think sensibly, as God has distributed a measure of Faith to each one. Paired with Ephesians 4:13-14 “until WE ALL reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then WE will no longer be infants…
This isn’t an individual statement. My study Bible says are you an infant tossed in the wind, make a list of weekly disciplines to partake in. I have to respectfully disagree. The formula isn’t about building your faith muscle until you are one big bicep that can carry the load. The formula is in 1 Corinthians 12:26 if one part suffers, every part suffers with it, if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. In 1 Corinthians 12:18 it says God has arranged the parts just as he wanted them to be. It’s not up to us. He’s given me just enough faith to do my job well. And my job is not about growing myself individually, but using what he has given me to assist in growing the big C church. Transformational stuff today !
❤️
Oh, that’s good Lanie! My focus needs to shift
Love this Lanie. We are often so self focused. Even when I attend church, it’s “what am I going to get out of this?” Maybe I need to shift my heart posture and ask how I can be of service to others there.
Tami so good!! I didn’t even think about it in the little c church. I 100% go into Sunday with that mindset. Even will pray, what do you want me to learn today before hand. I have been feeling like I’m not “getting enough” from my church, and building community has been difficult. And was thinking I should find another one better suited for me. Maybe I should instead be thinking how can I contribute..
Yes Lanie, I have felt the same way about my church. But I’ve been convicted and am trying to go with a servant’s heart
So many things stand out to me, but one specific point I really am pondering. I appreciated the point that different churches emphasize or target different areas. Every church does not need to do everything. It can’t! So often there is division in the church or finger pointing. Instead, we should acknowledge and appreciate that various churches are meeting different needs within the community. One church congregation cannot meet every single need. We are united but we each take on different rolls. God works through each of these as we are called. What a refreshing perspective!
I was thinking the same thing. I think there is such strength in the greater church when each body can press into the needs of its own diverse community. Its both those of its active members by way of discipleship, teaching, worship, fellowship or those that are walking through the doors for the first time seeking hope and help with needs,spiritual, physical or otherwise.
As discussed on a previous day in this series, l try to not let the things that are different distract me (though not ignoring things that are not of God) but instead, focus on keeping my eyes on Jesus and walking in step with Him. I fail daily, and am thankful for forgiveness and those new mercies each morning.
–
TAYLOR – so good to see you. Will be praying for the upcoming busy season.
KRIS – ah, yes! The prayer that never fails!❤️
CEE GEE – thank you for song reminder yesterday ❤️
LINDA IN NC – praying for you and Gene ❤️ are home health services an option? A family member has gotten help in the past with an order from their primary dr.
CAROL J MYLIN – yes, we are a group of sisters and friends! ❤️
MICHELLE P – Keep praying, sister, and I’ll be right here in your Amen corner :) ❤️
–
Cousin (dropping the in-law, not sure why I went that route other than to convey I know her but not close?) is holding her own in icu, making progress
–
Me – started off good after the procedure last week but sadly the relief didn’t last. Pain level is not as high (thankful) but still difficult to sleep with. Continuing to pray for relief as I have major projects these next couple of months and need my mind as sharp as possible :)
Praying ❤️
Thank you, sister ❤️ God’s grace, peace, and healing to you in this time. ❤️
Praying every day for relief from your pain, dear sister! I pray that God will give you peace and strength as you wait for His healing! ❤️
I’m praying for relief from pain today!
Dear Searching, praying for a lasting relief of pain ❤️
Praying for you Searching, for pain relief very soon and for rest and clarity of mind for your upcoming projects.
I was wondering the same, cousin-in-law, so sweet of a name, maybe you were being specific ?! :), lifting up prayers for your heart’s desires.
Amen
All of us created in the image of God with unique traits. All equally important to God. Beautiful!
❤️
Ephesians 4:10 | The one who descended is also the one who ascended far above all the heavens, to fill all things.
.
Ephesians 3:19 | and to know Christ’s love that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
.
He came to fill all things with the fullness of God! Now talk about a love that surpasses knowledge…!
————
The fullness of God is:
– “One God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all” (Ephesians 4:6).
– “But Christ is all, and in all” (Colossians 3:11).
The fullness of God is full of:
– grace and truth (John 1:14)
– “grace upon grace from His fullness” (John 1:16).
– power and dominion (Psalm 8:6; Ephesians 1:20-21)
The fullness of God is dwelling in:
– Jesus (Colossians 1:18-19; 2:9)
– In Christ’s body, the church, in us (not one part, but many!) (Ephesians 1:23; 1 Corinthians 12:14)
The fullness of God is a sign of:
– growing into maturity (Ephesians. 4:13), a growth that is from God (Colossians 2:19). Because “God sees us as we are, loves us as we are, and accepts us as we are. But by His grace, He does not leave us as we are.” (Tim Keller)
————
Dear Father,
Fill us with Your fullness today.
Change us by Your grace.
May we grow as Your body the Church, making known Your love: a love that surpasses all knowledge.
AMEN.
So good to see you, JULIA! Thank you for yesterday’s and today’s highlights of how God loves us and fills us. And the prayer postures ❤️
❤️
❤️
❤️
<3 Amen
❤️
I love these highlights Julia! Thank you!
❤️
Thanks Julia, so glad you are back.
What struck me today were the “ones” – one hope, one faith, one baptism, one Lord – one God and Father of us all. As long as the Church builds upon this foundation, she can freely be the hands and feet of Jesus where she is planted. Once she loses that foundation, she is tossed about by every wave of differing doctrine, any new human idea or deceitful scheme… Father, please protect Your body from straying from the Truth.
Amen
❤️
“Speak the truth in love” (Eph 4:15). That’s what stood out to me today. Whew, it can be difficult to speak that way. But God…
Lord, please guard my heart, my mind, my soul, my words to speak Your Truth with all love that sometimes can only come from You.
Blessed Wednesday dear Sisters. I am surely keeping you and yours in prayer.
Tricia
Amen ❤️
Thank you all for your thoughts and words yesterday. I know what I can do is pray for my children and grandchildren. God is awesome and is in control.
❤️
May we rejoice in being one body, with one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism—and of one God and Father.
AMEN . MELANIE RAINIER.
Happy Wednesday my dears.. early start today, so not much time to comment..
Will try to get back later..
Much love,
Tina❤️
Dear Tina, thank you for your precious insight and testimony that you share with us! You are loved, dear sister, and prayed for every day! ❤️
Tina, I read your post of a few days ago where you mentioned your dad was Ghanaian. (Spelling?) I went in a trip to Ghana with my church to support an orphanage that was opened by one of our church families. It was one of my favorite mission trips. The Ghanaian people are so lovely. I even picked up a little Twi:) What a beautiful country!
My girl I supported through Compassion International was from Ghana! Oh how I wished I could have visited in person!