Differences

Differences. In communities. At school and work. Church. 

And families. 

Sandpaper, at times. Irritating encounters. Opposing views getting in the way of relationships. 

One day, when our kids were young, it hit me.

Differences

They were arguing about something. For the umpteenth time. 

Not seeing eye to eye. Competing to be “right.” Feeling entitled to having things their way.

In desperation, I called them out.

Then, on a whim, said God had placed them—with all their differences—in the same family. For a reason.

Learning

“This is getting you ready for the day you leave home.

“You’re learning how to get along with others who are not like you. People with different opinions and ways of doing things.

“It would be boring if we were all exactly the same. Right?”

I’m not sure they were convinced. And my mind was shouting in the background, “Things might be a little more peaceful around here if there weren’t so many differences!”

Designed with differences

But it’s true. 

God has placed us in families and in the Body of Christ with people who are not like us. 

We’re designed with differences for a purpose. 

And the prayer repeated in the New Testament is one we will always need. Prayer for unity. That we may be one in Christ. 

Celebrating

Keep celebrating our differences that accomplish His purpose. When we work together. As one.

“Above all, put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. And let the peace of Christ, to which you were also called in one body, rule your hearts. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell richly among you, in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”
Colossians 3:14-17 CSB

What about you?

How have you seen and celebrated the design of differences at work in the Body? Are you praying for unity in your local body of believers?

Related

By design – Eclectic – Fragments – 1 Corinthians 12 – Colossians 3:12-17 –