August 7, 2013 (Wednesday)
There are those among us who enjoy regimentation. If they could, they would organize the church just like the military, with corresponding ranks to keep order and increase efficiency. But Jesus has another plan.
Jesus has chosen church members today in much the same way he chose his original twelve disciples. He made a point of maintaining variety in the makeup of that group.
There was Peter, the man who professed his love and devotion to Jesus over and over again. His was a personal relationship with the Savior. He desired to draw closer to the Lord every day.
Then there was Thomas, who had an analytical personality. After the resurrection, he had doubts about it all. Once he saw Jesus face to face, however, he believed. Jesus provided the proof, and his logical mind accepted the facts.
One of them was Matthew, a public official. Many must have wondered why Jesus chose this man, who was hated by everyone and looked upon as somewhat of a opportunist, making his living as a collector of taxes.
And one was a Zealot. Simon the Zealot. Little is known about him personally, but the Zealots were totally political in their outlook, living for the day the Romans could be overthrown.
There were twelve of them, each very different from the others. That’s the way Jesus chose us then, and that’s the way he chooses us now. We are not robots, each falling into line and imitating the others. We are like wildflowers on the side of Texas roads in the Spring: so many colors, sizes and designs. When put together, they are beautiful. People take trips for the sole purpose of enjoying the sight.
Yes, the church of the 21st century is made up of people with different outlooks, thought processes, talents and gifts. Yet it is God’s purpose and design to use the church to spread His love, celebrating, not just tolerating, the diversity. E pluribus unum: of many, one. Unity. Diversity. God’s way.