Unity in diversity is one of the greatest keys in the body of Christ moving forward to build God’s Kingdom. On my first mission trip to Mexico, our church worked with Youth With A Mission to bring together people’s talents and abilities to build a home for needy families.
Different people had gifts of food preparation, translators, Bible teachers, prayer warriors, and those of us who did general construction. Our trip would not have been very successful if we did not have the variety of people to build a modest home. People of different nationalities, languages, and other skills created a vibrant missional experience.
Our Body and the Body of Christ Has Many Parts
Paul uses the illustration of a human body to help us understand the importance of unity and diversity in the body of Christ. 1 Corinthians 12:12 The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ. 13 Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit. [1]
Each person and their gifts bring unique talents the Lord has given them that are essential for the body of Christ to accomplish God’s will. As people, we are often better able to reach people of similar backgrounds and experiences because they become bridges.
A friend grew up in an inner city, and the Lord now uses him to work in inner-city ministries. His nationality and personal experience deeply connect with the people He is trying to reach with the good news of Jesus bringing many people into the Kingdom. Years earlier, other people with different gifts and talents helped train him in pastoral ministry. Prayer partners bless my friend and those he reaches regularly. For ministry to be successful, it takes unity and diversity because we need each other and the gifts we bring.
The Lord Can Use You
Each of us plays a part in the body of Christ in a larger picture. In some ways, each believer is like a brush stroke in a beautiful painting, and the Lord is the artist. As we take up the cross and follow Jesus, the body of Christ comes together to fulfill the Lord’s plans. No matter what gifts you have, they are essential. My great uncle John was mentally challenged, yet he brought joy and simple faith to the body of Christ.
I have seen young people with simple faith pray for others who were healed. I have worked with others who are very gifted and seen them move into the background while they encouraged others to use their gifts instead. Paul reminds us that God has good things planned for each of us! Ephesians 2:10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. [2]
To learn more about unity in diversity, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/worship-as-the-body
[1] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (1 Co 12:12–13). Tyndale House Publishers.
[2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Eph 2:10). Tyndale House Publishers.