Diversity In Christian Unity

Matthew 6:27-34 "Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? 28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: 29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? 31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. 34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof."

Introduction

Lilies are lilies; roses are roses. Wouldn't it be sad if every plant were identical. They are different by the grace of God. In spite of differences, there is a wonderful symmetry and unity. People also have an individuality created and sanctioned by God if they are following His leading. This diversity brings vibrancy and variety to life. Learn more about individuality in this article.—Dan

 

Lilies Should Be Lilies

"Things in the natural world are to be considered and their lesson applied to the spiritual life, the spiritual growth. To every man God, not man, has given his work. This is an individual work—the formation of a character after the divine similitude. The lily is not to strive to be like the rose. There are distinctions in the formation of the flowers and in the fruits, but all derive their peculiar variance from God. All are the Lord’s. So it is God’s design that even the best of men shall not all be of the same character. {Ms116-1898.11}

A life consecrated to the service of God will be developed and beautified in its individuality. No person can sink his individuality in that of another, but we are all, as individuals, to be grafted into the one parent stock, and there is to be unity in diversity. The great Master Artist has not made two leaves of the same tree precisely alike; so His creative power does not give to all minds the same likeness. They are created to live through ceaseless ages, and there is to be complete unity, mind blending with mind, but no two are to be of the same mold. {Ms116-1898.12}

There is abundant room for all in harmonious diversity to act the part assigned them. No one man’s mind or judgment is complete. The Word of God is dealing with principles that all must respect. It has been an educator in every age. Divinity speaks through a variety of His human agents. {Ms116-1898.13}

All are to strive for the fragrance of Christ’s character; then they can act their part in the world as God designs they shall do. Let us thank God that all characters are to be fashioned not after man’s pattern but after the Lord’s ideal. Let us allow our fellow workers to grow up in religious experience under the molding and fashioning of the Holy Spirit. Let none feel at liberty to demerit and belittle God’s workmanship because they do not bear their likeness. David could not wear Saul’s armor, and dropping it, he took the sling and the stone with which he was familiar, and slew the Philistine who defied Israel. {Ms116-1898.14}—Ellen G. White

 

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