As Christians We Are All The Same But Not

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. - Galatians 3:28

In Christ we are all the same. So many differences naturally but in Christ we are all the same spiritually – or are we? As born again believers, we are all the same, but at the same time, are not the same. But before I talk about God’s supernatural creation, I want to briefly review God’s natural creation. 

God created everything that is natural with variation. In biology there are 9 different levels of difference that define what group a created thing falls in to. I will spare you the details. Suffice it to say that natural variation has been well documented. Unfortunately, the natural differences of some groups of creation have caused divisions among mankind – injustice and sometimes even wars. 

Birds of a feather flock together. I am certain that you have heard that old saying. Carried to an extreme mankind’s desire to flock together can become exclusive. Many people associate others being different with being less acceptable. And so, being the same is more acceptable. If you are different then there must be something wrong with you. All of that tension and contention is common in the natural world.  It should have no place in the Body of Christ. But it does. But, as I said, my focus today is on spiritual differences. 

One of my granddaughters recently asked me to text her some verses about the fruit of the Spirit. So I sent her the verses as she asked. Her immediate response was “Thanks but can you put some Poppa-knowledge on that?” In other words – would you elaborate which I, of course, was happy to do.

The fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) is common among all Christians. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Having been born again we have the same Spirit in us and therefore the same manifestation of that Spirit. The fruit of the Spirit

But while we have the same spirit, we all have a different, specific roles or places in the Body of Christ. We are all equipped in different ways to fulfill the place we are assigned. As you know, those spiritual abilities are referred to as spiritual gifts. The specific spiritual gifts are addressed in Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 1, 12 and 14, Ephesians 4 and Hebrews 2. Spiritual gifts are something that God, in His wisdom, has ordained and distributed. They are properly exercised by us through Spiritual empowerment – not through human effort or will. 

As an example - Just because you teach in a school and although you may be a gifted teacher does not mean that you have the spiritual gift of teaching and are called to teach other Christians. Just because you are a public speaker does not mean that you should be a preacher or evangelist. On the other hand, it does not mean that you couldn’t be if God ordained it. There is a saying that God does not call the qualified, He qualifies the called. 

I have known people who coveted a particular role in the body but it was for their personal benefit or aspirations and not for the benefit of the Body. They might even hold that position, but it is not because God has called them there. That is akin to having a dead branch on a living tree. It will bear no spiritual fruit. You get the idea. Our role in the body of Christ is up to God – not us. But no matter what that role might be - we are still all the same – equal before God. 

Being a pastor or evangelist or elder is a calling and is a role in the Body of Christ. Their role carries great responsibility. But the pastor, as a Christian – is the same as you and me – a sinner saved by grace. 

2 Timothy 5:17 says to let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor (by other Christians), especially those who labor in the word and doctrine. (pastors/preachers)

That does not mean that they are better than other Christians – but they have more responsibility in the Body and that should be acknowledged.  

So what place have you been called to? Have you thought about it? Maybe you are already fulfilling it. But is it possible that you never considered that you have a calling. You thought that perhaps having a calling is for other people. Or maybe you think that being used by God for the benefit of the Body of Christ it is beyond you. In my experience, God calls us to do what is beyond us. The result is that the Church is edified and He is glorified.

As Christians we have a common calling which is to be a servant. And as such - we should all have a common aspiration - not to be praised by others but to be a servant of all. Jesus said, 

“Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your servant" (Matthew 20:26-27)

So – as Christians we are spiritually all the same yet different.  – Those differences are spiritual and should not divide us but unite us.

God’s intent was not to have you sit in the stands and watch or even sit on the bench or in the pew with no intent to be a player on the team. His intent is that you would be on the field fulfilling your eternal purpose.

I want to encourage you to seek your place in the Body out and then suit up. Then get ready because God will send you in.

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone