The Body of Christ

Romans 15:5-7, "May God...help you live in complete harmony with each other--each with the attitude of Christ Jesus toward the other. Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.  So accept each other just as Christ has accepted you; then God will be glorified."

      Imagine yourself in heaven.  Picture the heavenly choir around the throne of God.  What do the members of the choir look like?  Are they "red and yellow, black and white," or do they all look pretty much like you?  In what language are they singing praises to God?  It is natural for us to think of other people in terms of our own appearance and culture.  But God created and loves all kinds of people.  While we may be prejudiced, He is impartial.

      Perhaps you have always worshiped with people who believe pretty much as you believe and have the same form of worship that you have. 

Maybe you feel uncomfortable around people who believe or worship differently.  But there are great diversities in the bod y of Christ. 

There are major doctrines about the person of Christ and the way of salvation which all must share to actually be Christians, but there can certainly be many ways to live out the Christian life.  In fact, every single Christian has a testimony that is unique--no two are alike.  For me, the bottom line is this: if God accepts a person, then how can I not accept them?  And worship and fellowship with them?

      The Christian experience can be so much richer and fuller as we rub shoulders with all kinds of other Christians.  I encourage you to be open and let your fellow travelers enrich your walk.

Father, You are so creative.  I revel in the differences we find between people.  May our hearts be open to love and embrace all fellow believers and reach out to all non-believers.  Amen.