Unity and Diversity in Service

Romans 12:4-8

Scripture (Romans 12:4-8, ESV): "For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness."

Devotion:

The body is a perfect metaphor for the church. A body has differentiated parts. Not every part is a mouth, not every part is a leg, not every part is a hand. A body requires all the parts to function properly. It is the perfect picture of how differently shaped and gifted people can work together in the church. Now remember that this passage comes right after Romans 12:3 where Paul instructs his people to not think too much of themselves. This is part of the reason: Don’t think of yourself as an entire body. Just like no man is an island, no person is an entire church all by themselves.

Now why is this important? Because actually we often think we can be a church all unto ourselves. When people say “I am a Christian but I don’t go to church” they are admitting that they are actually an amputated limb. They have been separated from the body, and without the church you can’t be spiritually healthy. Every Christian is but one part of a church body. In God’s wisdom, he has created us to need each other. Whether we like it or not we can’t be Christians who don’t go to church. God himself is in constant community within the Trinity. If we are made in God’s image, then surely it follows that we need to be in community with others too.

Having shown us that we need each other, Paul then moves on to list a number of the gifts God gives people for the sake of the church. Now notice: each gift mentioned (prophecy, service, teaching, exhortation, contribution, leadership, and acts of mercy) is given "according to the grace given to us." Our gifts don’t come from ourselves, but they are given to us by God for the sake of the church. When we use our gifts this way God is glorified. On the flip side, when we use our God given gifts to elevate ourselves, we have completely misted the point and seek only to elevate ourselves.

This is a perfect time to reflect on how you are using your gifts. Are you functioning like a part of a healthy body? Do you serve in harmony with others, appreciating everyone’s contributions? Or do we find ourselves competing, comparing, or even resenting the gifts of others?

Prayer: