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“Above all, put on love—the perfect bond of unity.” Colossians 3:14 (ESV)

A breezy day and not too hot sunshine drew me outside for my lunch hour workout.  Earbuds in, my fave podcast playing and I was ready to count some power steps.  There’s something absolutely refreshing about being outdoors, breathing in fresh air and clearing my mind before tackling the demands of the afternoon.

Moving down the hill, I noticed a man running in my direction.  Now normally, I wouldn’t give it a second thought; however, on this particular day my walk was in an isolated area.  No one was around. I was surrounded by big trees and overgrown brush on both sides.  The closer he got, the faster my heart started to beat.  I was walking; he was running.  I was a “seasoned” (in other words older) woman; he was young and energetic. Amazing how quickly fear can seize us when differences are so pronounced.

My game plan was no eye contact – his plan was different.  Within a foot of me, he stopped and warned me about a bee’s nest further up the path.  His caution stated, he picked up speed and kept on running.  My heart slowed and I kept glancing back to ensure he wasn’t coming back.  Relieved, I picked up my pace and was determined to finish my course.  By the time, I made it back around here he came again.  And as he sped by me, I heard him say, “Great job keep up the good work!” Despite our differences, we were focused on a common goal – improving health and getting our workout done.

Wow – great concept right?  Wouldn’t it be great if we intentionally chose to exemplify this runner’s actions?  Keeping it real here, but I tend to drift towards avoiding different.   I love people – people who are just like me.  People who look like me. People who act like me.  People who think like me.  I think we all get the picture.

Different stretch us out of our comfort zone.  Different can sometimes cause fear to rise within us.  Different can easily create a false narrative.  Different can be surprisingly absolutely beautiful. Different can catch us off guard with encouragement.  Different totally works when we embrace the uniqueness God created in each of His creation.

God never majored in cookie cutter designs.  Each of us is created differently with a specific purpose in mind. And when we place our faith in Jesus and embrace our differences, the glory of God shines.

Where does this unity despite differences begin?  It all hinges on the common goal.  As believers, we are commissioned to go and make disciples of all nations.  Sweet friends, I don’t have to tell you that all nations means all people who are uniquely different. We don’t all look alike, act alike or come from the same backgrounds.  Yet God delights in watching us step out of our lane to encourage and strengthen our brothers and sisters.  And when the world glimpses us truly loving our own, they will automatically be drawn in – who wouldn’t want what we have?

“Father what a glorious picture of the body of Christ striving together in unity to share the gospel to our world.  Help us to lay aside our differences and stand strong fulfilling the purposes you planned for each of us.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life