Unity In The Body Of Christ
First Corinthians chapter 12 is one of my favorites as it relates to human conflict. Whenever there is conflict, if we can find the things that unite us, we usually can work through any disputes or challenges. There is power in unity. The more people that you can get rallied to a cause, the stronger the cause. Things we can look for include the common ground, the common purpose, the greater purpose, and the higher goal or principle. This applies at work, at home, in church, everywhere. It is a universal truth. And it is a core principle of leadership.
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Scripture:
“‘Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” – 1 Corinthians 12:27
Observation/Application:
There are many some examples of how we can apply this in our daily lives. As I think through our greatest opportunities at work, this is the critical skill needed that has brought us through the challenge. As I think about our churches, a critical challenge today is how can we activate and leverage our church members? When I think about our home lives, the key to a unified family is unity of purpose, value, and things tend to work better when we are working together on something. Common purpose unites.
That is what Paul is saying here and why he is saying it. He is saying, “hey people of Corinth, we all need to work together for the common good of the body of Christ Jesus. We should aim not to hurt each other because we are in fact hurting the greater body. And one member is not more important than the other, but we all play important parts as members of the same body. The foot is not more valuable than the hand. The hidden parts like the lungs or heart are no less valuable because you cannot see them visually. The same holds true with our gifts and talents. We all have different gifts that are valuable, whether they are seen or unseen. Let us therefore strive to work together as members of the same body.
#Working-Together-For-The-Glory-Of-God
Prayer:
Dear heavenly Father, thank you for your Word this morning. Help us to recognize each of our unique talents and respect and celebrate each and every member of the body of Christ. Help us to utilize and leverage them for Your greater purpose and glory. Help us to see ourselves as one body of Christ. Help us to work together, for your glory. Fill us with your Holy Spirit, our hearts full of love, and our minds with peace, wisdom and understanding. Help us walk with You all throughout the day Lord, that we might be a light unto your path. We receive our unique gifts, and your eternal Promise, in Jesus mighty name. Amen
Today’s full reading: Judges 1-3; 1 Corinthians 12
Scripture References From Today’s Reflection:
- “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” – (Romans 12:18)
- “So in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” – (Romans 12:5)
- “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” – (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
- “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” – (Hebrews 10:24-25)
- “Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” – (Romans 14:19)
- “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” – (Romans 10:17)
- “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.” – (Proverbs 11:2)
- “With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,” – (Ephesians 4:2)
- “For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.” – (Romans 12:3)
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