Suggested Reading: 1 Corinthians Chapter 12
Our faith and
relationship with Jesus Christ can be very personable. There will be things
that we will share with Jesus that won’t be shared with anyone else. It can be
the most intimate relationship we will ever have and through it our lives can
be transformed. Our experiences will take on new meanings when we put them in
the perspective of Jesus Christ; walking with him while acknowledging his
presence. But when we all go forward in this journey of life, all walking with
Jesus and towards that ultimate goal of salvation a community is naturally
created. The community starts first with family and friends then quickly goes
beyond to entail places of worship, work, and play. From there it reaches out
to the world and the universe as we all are bonded together by that one factor
that makes us equal and the same: we are all Children of God and make up the
Living Body of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
It is through this relationship that we are able to relate with
everyone regardless of their background, upbringing, or cultural differences.
The commonality of our birthright and acknowledging God is enough to overcome
these obstacles. It is a higher awareness and purpose which can drive all of
us. The presence of Jesus Christ is enough to break down any barrier which has
been raised through our humanness and for selfish purposes. We are united; it
is only Satan that divides us.
Division is a negative word. It indicates that there is a
separation because of differences which cannot be overcome. When there is a
division, the differences are what is emphasized and not a common factor which
would represent unity. It is the difference which becomes the defining
characteristic. Jesus Christ does not want us to be defined by differences. We
are all his children and through him we receive salvation. He does not love
people differently because of these so-called divisions. He does not pick and
choose based on these lines of separation which we draw. He loves us all. Jesus
spoke about how a house divided could not stand. We should all take his words
to heart and understand that fighting within a family causes unrest and enmity
which are the tools of Satan; not God. If one is sowing discord, it is never
for the purpose of God or for His kingdom even if that person says so.
Our Christian Experience and life should be one of love,
coexistence, and harmony brought on by the things that we cherish the most;
that which we were given by God and never deserved in the first place.
Everything good in our lives comes forth from The Creator and is given to us
freely because of His great love for us. To experience the goodness we must
first understand that he is the beginning of everything and that we must come
forward to love him. Through this mutual love our most precious gifts and
talents will then be recognized. Understanding that we are all unique and it is
our individuality that gives testament to God’s great love for us will bring us
closer to him so that we may then use our gifts in communion together to
glorify him all the more. This will bring about a glimpse of what the fullness
of love from god can feel like.
Together. That is the key word. Even though all of our relationships
with god are different and special, all should come together as one to express
ourselves and express the perfect love which is God.
Deacon Tom
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