Unity – Unity Works Together (365/233)
Have you ever worked with someone whose strengths were completely different from yours?
“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them.” (1 Corinthians 12:4)
Priscilla and Aquila worked as tentmakers, travelled together in ministry, opened their home to the church and became trusted co-workers of Paul (Acts 18:1–3; 18:18–19; Romans 16:3–4; 1 Corinthians 16:19). When Apollos, an eloquent teacher well-versed in Scripture, arrived in Ephesus, he spoke boldly about Jesus, yet his understanding was incomplete. Priscilla and Aquila neither publicly embarrassed him nor competed for prominence. They quietly took him aside, using what God had entrusted to them to explain His way more accurately and strengthen another believer (Acts 18:24–26). Their unity was expressed not only in working together, but in using their gifts to build someone else up.
God has created each of us uniquely. He celebrates our diversity and brings our differences together for His purposes. As Paul reminds us, unity is not about everyone doing the same thing; it enables the body of Christ to flourish as different people offer their gifts to the same Lord. Jesus prayed that His followers would be one (John 17:20–23). Our differences need not divide us when Christ is our common centre.
Pause and Ponder
Am I grateful for the different gifts God has placed around me?
Do I compete with others, or make room for their contribution?
Where could my gifts complement someone else's for God's purposes?
Unity flourishes when we choose not to compete, but use our different gifts to serve the same Christ.
Lord, thank You for the diversity of gifts within Your people. Teach me to value what others bring and to serve without competing, and become a beautiful testimony to the unity we have in Christ. Amen.
Extended Reading: Acts 18
Unity is more than working together; sometimes it means standing together when it costs us. Tomorrow, we meet Onesiphorus.
Comments