Fitly joined

That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. 
- Ephesians 4.14-16

Every time I read this passage; I think of a set of lego. This ubiquitous toy has been around for ages. We’ve all scene great constructions and even works of art made of lego. We’ve seen animated recreations of sports events and every monument in the world. They require great skill and a great variety of lego. Lego are red and while and green and blue and I am sure may other colours. There are single pieces and double pieces and quadruple pieces and more. They even come in different shapes and sizes, but somehow they all work together to create the things we see.

This is the image of the church I see here. The members in the church come in all shapes and sizes. Red, yellow, black, and white and every shade in between. The church would not be what it is without that great diversity of sizes and shapes and colours and functions.

Paul says here that we are ‘fitly joined’ or ‘closely knit.’ Every block plays its part and the body would not be same if any part were missing. We don’t have to be alike or do what others are like or what they do.

Some of us are going to use traditional music. Some of us are going to use more contemporary music. Some are going to use one translation and some another. Some are going to worship in a more formal reserved manner and some in a less formal way. We are going to differ in our views of the non essentials.

We are all going to have different tasks. Some will preach and teach and some will work with kids and some will work in the creche and some will work with music and some will do the IT work.

Every block is different, but every block is fitly joined together to do build the church.

Thank God for that wonderful diversity.