Romans 12:4–5 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: 5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.
Two or three years ago I was teaching a lesson to some children in our local park. As I did so, a boy came by and wanted to ask me a question so he called out “hey white man”! Now this isn’t a racist phrase in Saint Vincent, I’m actually used to people calling me white man if they don’t know my name.
A boy immediately turned and shouted back….
“Thats no white man, that’s John!”
I couldn’t help but smile because in his own simple way, the boy was saying, “he is one of us.” Instead of identifying me by the color of my skin, or outward characteristics, he identified me by my character and actions. I wasn’t a “white man”, but someone he knew and respected.
That boy’s innocent phrase points to an important spiritual truth.
Paul in Romans 12:4-5 describes the church (body of Christ) using a physical body. The physical body has many different parts, but all of those parts are connected to one another in the body itself. In the same way, the body of Christ has many different kinds of people, but they are part of one Body.
This unity of the universal church (Christ’s body) is different because almost all other groups are unified by something outward.
- skin color
- Educational background
- Social standing
- Or common interests
However, Christians are unified not by outward things, but inward. We find our unity in Christ.
All those who have accepted Christ as their Savior have a transformed heart, and the Holy Spirit dwelling in them. This is what binds the church together, not conformity. We can disagree on a number of different things, but if they have accepted Christ, I’m able to embrace them as a brother or sister.
This unity based on Christ is an incredible testimony. Especially today when the world is so divided over controversial issues.
I am not saying we shouldn’t stand up for our beliefs, but there is something powerful about Christians who disagree on cultural issues worshipping together because they agree on Jesus.
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