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Ephesians 4:7, But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift.

I often tell people who ask how I am doing that, “I am blessed far beyond my worth!” I’m not sure to whom the attribution is due, but the answer fits. God has gifted me in ways I try to utilize, and sometimes in ways I have yet to realize. This, in no way, is to say that I have any superior value to anyone else. It is to say that my unique character and distinct personality makes me one of a kind in a world which compels uniformity of action and thought. We are all gifted, unique, and valued by God so much that He gave His only Son for our salvation. As for our gifts, God has a purpose. While we might recognize this intellectually, the truth is that most of us never let that truth get too close to us. In Christ, we are blessed with a grace that is supposed to be shown within the body of believers who live in this world. Within that body of believers, there are roles of fellowship that only you can fulfill. You are a powerful element within the Body. Don’t let Satan convince you otherwise.

In all the world’s history, God has allowed individuals to exist within the Body of Christ. An actual number is truly impossible, but in all the millions, you are the only one who brings your particular set of attributes to the body. They have never been, nor will they ever be duplicated. While that may confound our greatest thinkers, the truth is that this simply reflects the infinite God we serve. We are called to worship God as our specific selves, while doing so within the confines of His righteous Will as expressed in Scripture.

Simultaneously, he has redeemed us in one Spirit. There is not a Spirit of love, or of grace, or even of redemption – just One Spirit who operates from the same God. While grace might be manifested in a variety of ways, there is only one source. Also, there is no contradiction within that source – there is One God. Ephesians 4:1-7, “Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, 3 being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all. 7 But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift.”

The integrity of the Godhead is infinitely pure.

Have you ever thought about what conflict with other believers implies? Have you ever considered what visual “internal Church conflict” conveys to the world who is watching our every move? It implies a God who can’t keep His people together. That God’s plan, or wisdom, or sacrifice, or love is not sufficient for the needs of His people. It implies to some a fractured kingdom that no one really wants to be part of. In short, it incorrectly defines the true nature and reality of God. His integrity is impugned.

Really faithful people would be repelled at the thought of causing the reputation of God to be shamed. Perhaps we’ve gotten so used to seeing discord in the world that we think it is only reasonable, or proper, to see it in the Church. Christians are not called to reflect the human condition; we are called to reflect Jesus to a lost, dark, and desperate world. Unity does that, discord does not. Whether or not one might agree with me, be sure that God is no fan of the “one who sows discord.” (Proverbs 6:17-19; Romans 16:17-18; James 4:11, etc.…) We need to seek peace within the confines of God’s will. Peace at any cost is not what God seeks. God does seek for his people to live as lights in a world of darkness, love in a world of hate, and submission in a world that has abandoned any form of morality and good direction. Please don’t let Satan distract us from the mission at hand. May we always be alert to the tactics of the “prince of the air.” Stay alert! Stay you! Godspeed on your journey.