Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Beauty of Diversity

Bible Reading:  1 Corin. 12:12–27

Key verse:  

vs 18 “ But in fact God has placed the parts of the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. 
25 “so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other.”

DEVOTION

There is beauty in who we are and what we bring because each of us bears the image of the King. You and I were created in the image of God, and together we become a living display of His glory as we reflect the character of our Creator.
Think about how unique each person is. Every single one of us has a distinct genetic makeup—no one is exactly the same. Even identical twins are not truly identical. This incredible diversity reminds us of the beauty of the body of Christ. We are all different, yet each of us reflects the image of the King of kings.
But how often do we stop to marvel at this? Instead, it’s easy to slip into comparison or envy: I wish I had what they have… or even into control: If only they did things my way… Our differences can feel like threats. But what if we saw them instead as gifts? What if our uniqueness was meant to be a tool for the expansion of God’s Kingdom? Our differences can expand our reach, sharpen our perspective, and give us new opportunities to learn from one another.
That’s what Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 12. He describes how every part of the body is intentionally created and placed where it belongs for the good of the whole. Verse 18 says it this way: “But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be.”
That means you are not random. You are not a mistake. God was intentional about you—your gifts, your personality, your wiring. You were created with purpose, crafted with every detail in mind, because that’s exactly what God desired for you. Isn’t that beautiful? Our Creator is intimate and intentional. Nothing is by chance.
And if this is true of us, then it’s true of everyone around us as well. Each person is valuable. Each person carries purpose. Each person was intricately designed by God to bring beauty to the body. Yes, diversity can be messy at times. It can be complicated. But it is also one of the most powerful ways God shows us how His Kingdom works: many different parts, working together in unity, to display His glory.

PRAYER

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for your intentionality and purposefulness in the ways You made us and designed us. Thank you for the gifts you’ve given us and the thought and detail you gave to every one of your children. We are all image bearers of the King. Help us to work together for your glory. Protect us from the lies of the enemy and his schemes to steal, kill, and destroy. Help us to stand together in faith and remind one another that we are sent together for the expansion of your Kingdom. Amen.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Take a moment to pause and ask God: Show me one person today whose gifts I can affirm and whose presence I can value in the body of Christ.
 

Maureen Mathew, MTC of Los Angeles California

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