Ephesians 4:4-7
“You were all called to travel on the same road and in the same direction, so stay together, both outwardly and inwardly. You have one Master, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who rules over all, works through all, and is present in all. Everything you are and think and do is permeated with Oneness. But that doesn’t mean you should all look and speak and act the same. Out of the generosity of Christ, each of us is given his own gift.”
“For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father, who is over all and in all and living through all. However, he has given each one of us a special gift through the generosity of Christ.”
After defining our unity in Christ, Paul goes on to speak of our individuality. It is easy to err by defining what is ‘Christian’ and exclude those we don’t understand or feel at home with. Then we box God up into a manageable parcel and find ourselves upon his throne. It is clear by looking at the natural world God loves diversity. Let’s rejoice with him in the myriad expressions of faith in Christ. In essentials unity, in non-essentials charity.
Lord, you are the most imaginative being ever. Evidence shouts out of the natural world. Yet your greatest work is with us, each of billions uniquely gifted for a place in your schemes. Thank you for calling me. I rest knowing you have everything about my individual future in hand. It is perfect love and may it ever cast out all my fears.