Different Is as Different Does (Part One)

The only accurate way to understand ourselves is by what God is and by what he does for us, not by what we are and what we do for him.

We are like parts of a human body. Each part gets its meaning from the body as a whole.  We are part of Christ’s body of chosen people. Each of us finds our meaning and function as a part of his body. But as a chopped-off finger or cut-off toe we wouldn’t amount to much.   So, since we find ourselves fashioned into all these excellently formed and marvelously functioning parts in Christ’s body, let’s just go ahead and be what we were made to be, without pridefully comparing ourselves with each other, or trying to be something we aren’t.

If you preach, just preach God’s Message, nothing else.

If you help, just help, don’t take over.

If you teach, stick to your teaching. 

If you give encouraging guidance, be careful that you don’t get bossy. 

If you’re put in charge, don’t manipulate. 

If you’re called to give aid to people in distress, keep your eyes open, be quick to respond.

If you work with the disadvantaged, don’t get irritated with them or depressed by them. 

Keep a smile on your face.

Love from the center of who you are; don’t fake it. 

Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good. (From Romans 12)