The beauty of diversity within the body

A while back at a meeting of the American Psychological Association, psychologists Jack Lipton and R. Scott Builione presented a study where they surveyed members of 11 major symphony orchestras and asked how each section perceived each other.

Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.

— COLOSSIANS 2:16-17

The percussionists were viewed as unintelligent but fun-loving, while the string players were seen as arrogant and stuffy. The brass players were described as loud by many, and woodwinds were viewed as quiet, meticulous, and a bit egotistical.

So with such different perceptions of one another, how were these orchestras able to make such wonderful music? Well, quite simply, they were able to put their biases aside and look first to the leadership of the conductor. And when they all did that, they could make beautiful music together as one orchestra.

How effective could the body of Christ be if we were to follow that model? Instead of infighting about personalities and methods in our churches, what if we put those differences aside and looked together at the great Conductor?

The church is a multi-faceted diamond. Don’t try to make it a carbon copy of yourself. Appreciate the beauty in the diversity of the body of Christ and follow Christ together!

** Prayer Challenge
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Ask God to open your eyes to the beauty of the diversity within the Church.