Paul writes some very wise and revealing words in Ephesians chapter four. He states, “ So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 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.” Ephesians 4:11-13 (NIV) The basic message Paul gives us is this: “in diversity there is strength!”
Christ gives different gifts by His sovereign design so that we can work together, to compliment one another and to strengthen one another. Gifts are given to serve others in humility, so that we can grow in Christ as a Body. Our ultimate goal, as we exercise these gifts, is to attain “the fullness of Christ” or become more like Him. Through our diversity, we encourage, teach, love and support others in so many ways that we could not do alone. As servants in the Church, we come before God and each other to work as a team. “Diversity makes us strong.”
In one way, we see this depicted in our society at large these days. People are coming together from all walks of life to battle the covid-19 virus for the benefit of us all. Health care workers, assembly line workers, grocery store workers, tradespeople, the service industry, political leaders and the list goes on. All these people bring their education, their talents, and their skills together, bundled in courage and commitment, to keep us safe and strong, until this virus passes. They are working as “servants” in our society to see the task through. “Diversity makes us strong.”
I want to close this reflection by thanking the folks around us who work as a team to keep us safe. I don’t think, until this is all over, we will really know the extent of their sacrifices. I like the words of Sir Winston Churchill, “We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” Thank you to so many who are “giving of their lives” so that we can live. God bless and protect you all. From the bottom of our hearts we say – thank you.
In His grace – Pastor Ralph
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