Unity from Diversity

[S] 1 Corinthians 12:25-26 --
²⁵so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. ²⁶If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.

[O] Paul addresses the use of the spiritual gifts within the church and as he points out the many gifts given to the members of the church he also emphasizes how God intended these various gifts to bring unity to the body of believers and not divisions.  I guess even back then the achievement-oriented nature in us was pretty strong because we get so caught up trying to achieve everything including the spiritual maturity as we seek the degrees, certifications, points, etc.  However, growing in God is not about achievement of reaching different levels according to a set of measurement we set forth but it's about how much our hearts are becoming more like God's heart in the way live our lives 24x7 and not just on Sundays.

Our success will determined when the members of the same body unites such that one another share the tears and joy equally together regardless of various stages of our spiritual walks.  As verse 26 says if one of us suffers, everyone suffers together; if one of us is honored, everyone rejoices together.  As we pursue this, I am reminded to be cautious about insensitivity to other members of our body of believers where our unintended words of discouragement can tear someone apart (some times even without my knowing).

[A] I need to be more sensitive to the "hurts" and "sufferings" our small groups leaders may be going through and to walk alongside them.  Need to spend more personal times with each of them.

[P] Dear Heavenly Father, I so much desire the spiritual unity among the small groups leaders especially as we try to build up the leadership team.  Please speak to all of us as we pursue the Life Journaling together as we go through the book Divine Mentor such that our hearts will truly unite on the ultimate purpose of our ministry rather than getting hung up on the logistics and procedures which we need to put in place to better steward this ministry even though they bear man-made limitations.  Grant me a big heart to shepherd these leaders because of what I gain from You and not relying on my own experiences.  In Jesus' name.  Amen.