Someone once said that if two people in a relationship thought the same on every subject, one of those persons was not necessary in the relationship. I know a lot of people who think harmony or unity in any relationship is about uniformity. If everybody just goes along, thinks the same way, reacts the same way, everything will be right with the world. Lack of confrontation and conflict makes everything okay. No need to challenge thought, just everyone agree.
What a strange world we'd live in if everyone's talents, insights, desires, thoughts, opinions, etc. were exactly the same. It's all our different gifts, insights, perceptions, talents that make the world go round. Farmers, doctors, builders, teachers, administrators, mechanics, accountants, nurses, bankers, policemen, firemen, architects, engineers, techies, all allow the world to function. When my tooth hurts, I'm glad there are dentists. When my A/C goes out, I'm glad there are hvac specialists/repairmen. When I'm hungry, I'm glad there are restaurateurs and chefs and waitresses.
We live in an interdependent world. We need each other. Societies couldn't advance without the diversity of interests, talents, views and thoughts. My life would be miserable without the diversity of people around me. I need people with different abilities around me. Stephen Covey tells the story of a couple he met with who were having marital problems because of their vast differences. He asked them how they got their children. Embarrassed the couple responded, "You know how." Covey then responded, "You got your children by valuing your differences." I admit, sometimes my wife drives me crazy, but I really value her difference. It can really be enjoyable!
It bothers me when The Church or a church or a group of believers or even a few Christians get into scuffles over who's right, who's in charge, or start whining about the differences of other believers. God designed His church with a multitude of differences and we need to learn to value our differences instead of devaluing or demeaning the other persons.
We are one body whether we like it or not. To cut off ourselves or to attempt to rid ourselves of parts of the body would be ludicrous. The church cannot exist or advance without musicians, teachers, planners, servers, pastors, caregivers anymore than society can exist without its diversity.
God, thanks for the diversity you put in the people around me. Help me to value each person for who you've created them to be. Help me to see my role and purpose in your kingdom. Help me accept the differences of others. Help me to see that I don't have to like everything around me or agree with everything around me. Thanks for creating the church as a body, with all its diversity.
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