This is the 6th and final week of Pastor Riley’s sabbatical. Last week on our trip, I could tell that–while he is enjoying his time away–he is chomping at the bit with excitement to get back here to Marion 1st Church of the Nazarene. Please pray that this last week is fantastic and refreshing for him, and that our hearts are prepared for what God has showed him over the past six weeks.

Read John 17:20-26

Jesus prayed, “May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” John 17:23 (NIV)

The wooded slope was ablaze with autumn colors – fiery reds and oranges, vivid yellows and golds. Occasional splashes of green added to the chorus of color. God’s masterpiece! I thought. Only God could create individual colors and blend them together to produce a landscape of breathtaking beauty like this.

The Body of Christ is like that multicolored forest. God has created individuals with unique personalities and expects us to work together, portraying unity for the world to see. Some people are visionaries, while others possess the ability to fulfill plans. Some folks are bubbly and impulsive while others are quiet by nature, proceeding only after careful thought and prayer. Some people are gifted leaders, while others prefer to serve behind the scenes. Our response to people’s differences can strengthen unity or destroy it.

Does the world see unity when it looks at our churches? If not, what can we do to change that? Just as the hillside’s colors combined to create a beautiful picture, so the Body of Christ is most glorious when we work together in unity.

Prayer
Dear God, help us to appreciate the uniqueness of others. May those around us see unity when they look at the Body of Christ. Amen.

Thought for the week
The variety of God’s people is evidence of God’s creative genius.