"Together" | July 13, 2025 | Ps Joel Lowery

In a world that often celebrates individualism, there's a profound truth that we, as followers of Christ, are called to embrace: we are designed to be different, yet united. This paradox lies at the heart of what it means to be part of the body of Christ, a concept beautifully illustrated in 1 Corinthians 12.

Imagine a body where every part was an eye, or every part an ear. It would be not only strange but entirely dysfunctional. Yet, how often do we find ourselves wishing our church community was more homogeneous, more like us? The reality is, God delights in our diversity. He has intentionally created us with unique strengths, weaknesses, and personalities, all meant to work together in harmony.

This diversity isn't just a nice idea; it's essential. As 1 Corinthians 12:22 reminds us, "The parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable." Even those characteristics or individuals we might be tempted to overlook or dismiss play a crucial role in God's grand design for His church.

But let's be honest – this diversity can lead to friction. It's natural to seek comfort and familiarity, to gravitate towards those who think and act like us. However, the call to unity amidst diversity challenges us to lean into discomfort, to wrestle with our differences, and to grow through them.

This brings us to the first of four key "togethers" that define our life in the body of Christ:

1. We are Different Together
Our differences aren't meant to divide us but to complete us. Each person who walks into our church carries intrinsic value and has a place in the body of Christ. From the one struggling with a million problems to the one who appears to have it all together, every individual is fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14) and has something unique to contribute.

2. We Fight Together
Conflict is inevitable when diverse individuals come together. The question is not if we will fight, but how we will fight. Will we lean into the hard conversations, committed to working things out? Or will we run at the first sign of disagreement? Our level of commitment determines the depth and authenticity of our relationships within the body.

3. We Love Together
At the core of our unity is love – not just a feeling, but a sacrificial action. As Jesus said, "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends" (John 15:13). In the context of church life, this might mean laying down our time, our resources, our desire to be right, or our comfort. Love, as described in 1 Corinthians 13, becomes the glue that holds our diverse body together.

4. We Work Together
Finally, our differences serve a greater purpose. God has wired each of us uniquely because He has a collective purpose for all of us. The church is not meant to be a cruise ship catering to our every whim, but a battleship, equipping us to be ambassadors of Christ in a hurting world.

Reflecting on these truths, we're challenged to ask ourselves: If everyone in our church was as committed (or uncommitted) as we are, would it be a church we'd want to be part of? This question invites us to examine our level of engagement and surrender to God's vision for His body.

For some, the next step might be surrendering their life to Jesus – not just saying a prayer, but truly giving over control. For others, it might mean being filled afresh with the Holy Spirit, seeking that power and presence that enables us to live out our calling in the body.

And for many, the challenge might be forgiveness. Unforgiveness can be a poison that seeps into the body, causing division and pain. Yet, with the power of the Holy Spirit, we can embark on the journey of forgiveness, recognizing it as a process that brings freedom and healing.

The beauty of the body of Christ is that we're not called to do life alone. Even Jesus, in His earthly ministry, demonstrated dependence on the Father and the Holy Spirit. How much more do we need each other and God's power to fulfill our purpose?

As we embrace our differences, fight well together, love sacrificially, and work towards God's purposes, we become a living testimony to the world. We demonstrate that unity doesn't mean uniformity, but a beautiful tapestry of diverse threads woven together by the master Craftsman.

In a society often marked by division, the church has the opportunity to shine as a beacon of hope – a place where differences are celebrated, conflicts are resolved with love, weaknesses are supported, and strengths are utilized for the common good.

So let's commit to being the body Christ envisioned – diverse yet united, flawed yet forgiven, weak yet strong in Him. Let's embrace the messiness of community, knowing that through our differences and challenges, God is shaping us into a masterpiece that reflects His glory to the world.

As we go forward, may we remember the words of 1 Peter 4:8: "Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins." In our differences, in our conflicts, in our weaknesses, and in our strengths – let love be the defining characteristic of our life together in Christ.

The journey won't always be easy, but it will always be worth it. For in our togetherness, we find not just community, but the very heart of God expressed through His diverse and beautiful body.