We are going to think about the difference between unity and uniformity. Because many times, we find ourselves trying to be uniform and calling it unity.
If we think about a professional football team, what would it take to be in unity on that team? A uniform? Strength? Football skill? Are there those who don’t wear a team but are still part of the team? What unifies them as a team are the principles that define the team, and each person contributing their skills based on those principles.
We are unified in the same way. We are built on a foundation of Jesus, and we each contribute together our each unique skills based on those principles.
Doesn’t it feel like we are just babies (or infants) in our journey with Christ? But God has equiped his people with the skills to help each other grow and also to be unified. Not making each of us the same, but each person as an important part of the body of Christ.
This is describing functional unity. We are not all able to do the same skills, but when we grow up into Christ’s likeness, we each will function in that reality.
Questions to ask yourself this week…
Am I growing in this unity knowing each person (even me) is a part of this Body?
Am I growing in faith?
Am I confused and being challenged in what is being said? If so, it is a sign to go back to the Word and connect with elders to reconnect with a godly foundation.
Are we speaking truth in love? Or, are you receiving or giving bad council from/to others?
Are you depending on this moment only (i.e. Sunday morning) for you Christian growth? Or do you grow all week long to be where God wants you to be.
7 But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. 8 Therefore it says,
“When he ascended on high he led a host of captives,
and he gave gifts to men.”
9 (In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower regions, the earth? 10 He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.) 11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, 14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. 15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. (ESV)