Unity, Diversity, and Purpose

For the body does not consist of one member but of many. If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body.

If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, yet one body.

The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, which our more presentable parts do not require.

But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. 1 Corinthians 12:14-20

The diversity within the Church does not mean that there should be diversity in purpose or mindset. In any organization, diversity of gifts and unity in purpose is the foundation. We often hear "diversity!", but without knowing the why or what behind it, diversity is simply to inane or benign a term. It carries no weight wothout function or purpose.

What is the purpose of diversity? By itself, nothing! Diversity of gifts, talents, ideas within a shared purpose is fantastic. Without knowing the why, diversity is just another word wothout content.

Room Preparation and The Heart of God

One of the redeeming qualities of Cory is her abiding desire to meet the deepest needs of our sons. That quality has been accentuated these days as the sons return home from college. Their rooms have been cleaned, beds made, pictures re-hung, gifts left, and organized as if the sons had just begun 2nd grade.

The simple beauty in this is the care she has taken to welcome them home. There is no doubt their small rooms turn into a haven for them. A place distinctly their own, stamped with things all their own, fashioned by someone who knows them better and deeper than themselves.

Sound familiar?

Jesus told his disciples he was going away to prepare a place for them. A place when they arrived would instantly crystallize everything they wondered about themselves. A place which would confirm the depth of love the Father had for them. A place which would cause wonder and amazement because they realized the Father knew more about them, cared more deeply for them, and understood the desires of their heart better than themselves.

I picture these two rooms prepared for our sons in the same way. These rooms were prepared with each son in mind, ahead of time, and these rooms were filled with items awaiting their attention and presence. Most of all, these rooms were prepared for them to feel at home. Just for them.

Home. Haven. Harbor.

What do these words evoke in you?

To me, they remind me of my longings to be at home, to be with those whom I love most dearly, to be at rest, to be at peace. They also remind me when preparation is made for a homecoming, the preparer goes to the greatest lengths to ensure the homecoming is sweet. Can you picture the Father saying to the angels, "Oh, he's going to love this!" or "Can you imagine her surprise when she sees this?".

Just for You. 

If we do that here, how much more has God done more than that in Heaven?

Most people get excited about mansions and what it would be like to live in one. I know I think of what I would have in mine if I had one. What little perks and toys would I have? How would we personalize a mansion, if we had one?

Have you thought about what your room will look like when you arrive? It's going to be filled with items you never knew your heart wanted, yet needed.

The personal aspect of this cannot be overlooked. Jesus isn't going away to prepare some general assembly hall where everyone can gather to hang out and catch up on old times. He's going to prepare a place...for you...forever.

Meditate on that today. What love the Father has bestowed on us! What great care and concern. What joy could fill our hearts knowing what He has prepared for us by his hands.

In John 14:2-3 Jesus tells us all about the Father's preparation for his people. In Isaiah 6:1-6 about the awe and wonder of God. Finally, in Revelation 21:4-8 we read about the hope Heaven brings to our hearts.

A hope we find somewhat fulfilled when our rooms are neat and clean, beds made, and a gift left by someone who knows us better than we know ourselves.

Thanks Momma, for loving our boys in such a way it reflects the Father's heart!