Our bodies have many parts, but the many parts make up only one body when they are all put together. So it is with the “body” of Christ. – 1 Corinthians 12:12

For any of you who remember maths you will know what this sign means =. It means equality, which means the number or numbers on either side of it are of equal value. For example:

• 1+6 = 7     7 = 1+6
• 2+5 = 7     7 = 2+5
• 3+4 = 7     7 = 3+4
• 4+3 = 7     7 = 4+3
• 5+2 = 7     7 = 5+2
• 6+1 = 7     7 = 6+1

Whichever order you put them and no matter what side of the = sign they go on the numbers on either side are of equal value. The point of the small math lesson is that while we are all unique and may have all become believers in Jesus Christ through different means (we all have our own unique testimony); once we have made the commitment to follow Jesus we are all equal before God; all sons and daughters of God through Jesus Christ.

We are so diverse but so incredibly creative, God loves infinite variety, and as our New Testament reading today shows we are all different, but no matter, our race, creed, background, denomination, gender, quirk’s and eccentricities, we are all called together by the Holy Spirit to spread his gospel, pastor each other, love and care for each other and through doing so, to see people freed from the captivity of sin.

We are also ALL equal in that we are ALL chosen to build and grow His kingdom here on Earth. Has your life been impacted by your faith? Are you impacting others for the kingdom of God? We are all unique, we all have different gifts and He loves each one of us. Did you know that human beings were never designed to be totally independent? We are designed to be in community with others, to be interdependent, each of us having different skills, styles and roles to fill with our family, our community and especially the community of faith. Different but all of Equal value in God’s eyes.

We need to work together in life’s journey, sharing and helping each other, together lifting Jesus name in Praise and Thanksgiving. Together, moving forward one team, one family, one body, “The Bride of Christ” Team. So get where God has called you to be and let’s move ahead together.