Christ brought us together through his death on the cross. The Cross got us to embrace, and that was the end of the hostility. Christ came and preached peace to you outsiders and peace to us insiders. He treated us as equals, and so made us equals. Through him we both share the same Spirit and have equal access to the Father.

(Ephesians 2:16-18, MSG)

It seems at times it is easier to see what separates us from other people than it is to see what unites us.  It is simpler to highlight what makes us different than it is to see what we have shared.  But, what if we took the time to stop and think about “the other?”  Would we come to the realization that we have more in common than we have differences? 

The biggest common denominator…Jesus!

We are all made in the image of God!  As children of God we have a shared story, a similarity deep in our core.  Our faith in Jesus is what unites us, brings us together and takes precedence over our differences.

You’re no longer wandering exiles. This kingdom of faith is now your home country. You’re no longer strangers or outsiders. You belong here, with as much right to the name Christian as anyone. God is building a home. He’s using us all—irrespective of how we got here—in what he is building. (Eph 2:19, MSG)

Unity does not mean uniformity.  Paul is not saying that all Christians are alike.  Jews in Christ don’t become Gentiles, nor do Gentiles become Jewish Christians.  Women do not become men, or vice versa, and people do not suddenly all have the same abilities.  There is both unity and diversity in the Body of Christ…part of what makes it all the more amazing if you ask me.  Each member of the family is different and uniquely created by an amazing creative God.  Each person has something distinctive and beautiful to contribute to the greater family ultimately bringing glory to God. 

I think the world would be a much better place if we focused less on disparities and more similarities.  May we see Christ’s likeness in others, focusing on those things that unite us, while also highlighting our differences, those gifts and abilities that we each bring to the table.

Blessings,
Pastor Jenni

Now he’s using you, fitting you in brick by brick, stone by stone,
with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone that holds all the parts together.
We see it taking shape day after day—a holy temple built by God, all of us built into it,
a temple in which God is quite at home.  (Eph 2:20-22, MSG)