We Are One

SCRIPTURE

Romans 12:1-8 (NRSV)

One body in Christ

I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God -- what is good and acceptable and perfect.

For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of yourself more highly than you ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and not all the members have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another. We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us: prophecy, in proportion to faith; ministry, in ministering; the teacher, in teaching; the exhorter, in exhortation; the giver, in generosity; the leader, in diligence; the compassionate, in cheerfulness.


DEVOTION

Today, I want us to celebrate the diversity within the Body of Christ!

Whereas in the world, everything is about competition, in The Church everything is about cooperation!

Because The Church is based on mutual respect and cooperation, we are able to celebrate our unique spiritual gifts and talents without envy!

Since we are all on the same team, with the same goals, and advancing the same Kingdom, when one of us shines, we all shine. When one of us effectively communicates the good news, we all win! When one of us leads a soul to Christ, we all gain a beloved brother or sister.

It is a sad fact that in too many churches there is an attitude of competition. We compare who sings the best solo, bakes the best pie, or does the most effective youth ministry.

This attitude does not foster church growth, nor is it attractive to our non-Christian friends.

Today's scripture says, "do not think of yourself more highly than you ought."

Since we are one body, all underneath the head of Jesus Christ, we are all equally loved and valued.

Our primary goal is not to compare gifts, but to share the good news that God's Love sent Jesus into our world, allowed him to die on a cross, be resurrected on the third day, make atonement for our sin, gift us with eternal life, fill us with the Holy Spirit, and enable and equip us to share the good news that JESUS SAVES, AND HE SAVES TO THE UTMOST!

Paul said, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God -- what is good and acceptable and perfect."

It is God's will that we do operate out of a "worldly" mentality in The Church. We are not called to compete with one another. Rather, it is good, acceptable, and perfect when we celebrate each other as we advance the Kingdom of Love--together.

I love you and I celebrate God's unique gifts in your life. Please pray with me:

Holy God, thank you that you have given each of your children distinct spiritual gifts and talents meant to edify your church. Please help me to humbly use my gifts to your glory. Please forgive me for feeling jealous of the gifts of others. Please fill me with the Holy Spirit so that I can celebrate and cooperate with my brothers and sisters in Christ as we share the good news that you love us! I pray this in Jesus' Name, Amen.


THE INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @
http://aintathatgoodnews.blogspot.com/2009/03/come-to-jesus.html