Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone.

For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit.

1 Corinthians‬ ‭12‬:‭4‬-‭6‬, ‭12‬-‭13‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Do you ever stop to think about how such diverse people are expected to come to unity? That’s what I’ve been pondering. I’ve also questioned how to feel like part of the body when I don’t think I fit the mold. And there’s the rub, that there is some unspoken mold we need to fit into.

The first century church struggled with the same concept. Letters were written to help bring a paradigm shift. The restrictive doors of the temple gave way to the open doors of the church.

We have to look closer.

But God has carefully designed each member and placed it in the body to function as he desires.

1 Corinthians‬ ‭12‬:‭18‬ ‭TPT

God is creator, composer, builder, author, and designer. We are His workmanship. We fit because He made us to fit in the place He puts us.

What sorrow awaits those who argue with their Creator. Does a clay pot argue with its maker? Does the clay dispute with the one who shapes it, saying, ‘Stop, you’re doing it wrong!’ Does the pot exclaim, ‘How clumsy can you be?’

Isaiah‬ ‭45‬:‭9‬ ‭NLT‬‬

So what instructions are given us when we don’t agree or feel we don’t measure up to expectations? What if our pendulum swings toward grace and our brother or sister’s swings toward works? What if our political views differ from our neighbors? What if the church we attend is Spirit-filled and our friend’s is liturgical?

Here is just one passage out of many.

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭12‬-‭14‬ ‭NIV‬‬

So it is with love we are bound together. Specifically, God’s love in us, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

It is in knowing we are loved that we find common ground and can bring compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience to the table. That is how we find unity. We find peace in who we are and where we fit in the body of Christ…

…when we become clay in the hands of the Potter.

Grace & Peace,

Sandy

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