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Beauty In Differences

By Linda Sedrick Pearson

I took a break from work this morning and walked to the edge of the woods. I stood there and praised God for the beauty of the trees and the sweet scent of the honeysuckle that grew where God placed it.

Then, God whispered, "Look closer and study. What do you see?"

I began to examine the different trees. Each one was a different kind. The leaves on each tree were the same, yet the leaves on each tree were different from the rest of the trees. In this area, no two trees were the same. Even the bark which protects the trunks and limbs of the trees, was different on each tree.

How strange. Here were all these differences; but all these trees work together to provide homes for the animals and shade for those who entered this quiet peaceful haven of trees and plants. All are different and beautiful on their own, but they are all the same in that they are all working toward the same goal. Not one was placed in a more important place than another because there is no such thing. Each had its place to do its work and blend with the others so that the whole job is done to perfection. Placed together they blend and become a beautiful wooded area for all to enjoy.

"Lord, so many differences; yet, they all grow and work together. How beautiful. Thank you, God, for showing me this beautiful lesson this morning."

• 1Co 12:4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
• 1Co 12:5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.
• 1Co 12:6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.
• 1Co 12:7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
• 1Co 12:8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
• 1Co 12:9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;
• 1Co 12:10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:
• 1Co 12:11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
• 1Co 12:12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.
• 1Co 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
• 1Co 12:14 For the body is not one member, but many.
• 1Co 12:15 If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
• 1Co 12:16 And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
• 1Co 12:17 If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?
• 1Co 12:18 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.
• 1Co 12:19 And if they were all one member, where were the body?
• 1Co 12:20 But now are they many members, yet but one body.
• 1Co 12:21 And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.
• 1Co 12:22 Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:
• 1Co 12:23 And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.
• 1Co 12:24 For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked:
• 1Co 12:25 That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.
• 1Co 12:26 And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.
• 1Co 12:27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
• 1Co 12:28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.
• 1Co 12:29 Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? 1Co 12:30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?
• 1Co 12:31 But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.

"Thank you, God. Thank you for making us all different. Thank you for the beauty that graces us when we all work together to promote You and Your Kingdom. Thank you for showing us that it takes all of us working together and that not one is more important than another. Thank you, Lord, for showing me that it takes everyone doing his or her own job for your Kingdom and that its okay that we are all different. What matters is that we are all working toward the same goal (promoting Jesus Christ and God's Kingdom) and are doing that in peace and harmony. I praise you, God, for this revelation and lesson this morning.~Amen."

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