A Well Oiled Machine - Part 4 Series

The Body Beautiful

Part 4

A Well Oiled Machine

Psalm 133:1

How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!

It is God's purpose for all believer's

to work towards unity of the faith.

With many Christians,

and especially with evangelicals,

there has been a tendency to confuse faith and doctrine.

Faith is not doctrine,

but obedience to the Lord.

It is through faith that we are saved,

and not by correct teaching

(Eph. 2:8; James 1:22-25; 2:14-26; Heb. 3:12-19; Matt. 7:21-23).

With "unity of the Spirit"

there is room for diversity of beliefs & doctrines.

There can be unity in diversity

and diversity in unity.

Although differences of beliefs, doctrine, interpretation,

and opinion may be held

and expressed among believers,

they should be expressed in love and fellowship

with those who may differ.

This is the essence of true Biblical Christianity,

based upon the freedom that is in Christ,

as it was instituted in the very beginning.

We are all gifted differently. God did that on purpose.

He wants us to share our gifts with each other.

He wants us to concentrate on our own gifts

and learn to use them to the fullest.

I was sharing something

that God revealed to me the other day.

I was surprised that he didn't get as excited

about what I saw as I did.

It confused me at first,

but the more I meditated on it

the more excited I got.

It actually was a good thing

that he and I weren't both focusing on the same things.

God gave me more of a burden

for the Body of Christ.

He shows me many ways

that the Body is hindered.

He gives me insight for a reason.

My friend is gifted in different areas

as well as in some of the same areas.

he sometimes gets excited about things

that never occurred to me.

Through these differences,

We teach each other all the time.

If we all had the same gifts,

to the same extent as everyone else

it would be like everyone in the world being a doctor.

Who would fix cars?

Who would work in stores?

We need to embrace differences in people!

Let's concentrate on what God has given us.

Let's just hop on the train that God sends us

and go where it takes us!

John 17:23 (CEV)

I am one with them, and you are one with me, so that they may become completely one. Then this world's people will know that you sent me. They will know that you love my followers as much as you love me.

One of the reasons for unity

Is to be a witness to the world

Of the love of God

The world knows how hard it is to love some people

So when love is exhibited

By working together

In the spirit of unity

It shows the Love of God

In a way that is unmistakable

Don't serve God in the flesh.

Don't push yourself into a position

that is not within your calling.

Let God show you where He wants you.

He has placed you in the Body of Christ

and has given you the tools that you need.

God will put you together with others.

You will fit in nicely where He places you.

I've said it before, but it is worth repeating.

You are like a piece in a puzzle.

You fit together perfectly with others in the Body.

Other pieces will move in around you

and something beautiful will be the result.

Be open to what God would have you do.

Be searching.

If you aren't sure

then be preparing.

Prepare by reading the Word and by praying.

Keep seeking a closer relationship with God.

Allow the Word that you read

to become alive within you.

You are designed to be used in the Body.

Let God be your guide.

He will show you your portion.

Pursue that with everything within you.

Nehemiah chapter 3 is a beautiful picture

of what can be accomplished

when we humble ourselves

and work together with a common cause.

It is interesting to note

that in this list of people

who deserved honor for their selfless work,

Nehemiah includes a note

about some people who refused to work.

Look at verse 5…

The Tekoites got to work,

and accomplished a lot.

But the nobles refused to work.

Tekoa was a city about 11 miles away from Jerusalem.

These nobles didn’t want to make the trip,

maybe they thought they were too important

to do that kind of work,

maybe they were just scared.

These nobles not only refused to do any work,

they did not support the work of their masters.

What this means is

that they refused to submit to the authority of the leader there.