Someone asked me, recently, why there were so many varieties of Christian churches? Wasn’t one good enough? Was only one right, and the others wrong? What gives? Good questions, and I will use a box of crayons to, excuse the pun, illustrate my answer. Now, ask yourself, what can be finer than a brand new box of crayons. All those sharp, clean points, and that rainbow of waxy colors, it holds limitless creative possibilities. I don’t want to buy a box of all black crayons any more than one that contains only red. While we all have our favorites, the skillful use of each one is vital in creating an appealing finished project. An interesting composition is derived from subtle tones, shading and the use of many colors.
In the church that Christ envisioned, there were many different “colors“. People with various talents and gifts working together to build and further his church. Remember that the church is the earthly group of believers, not a building or a denomination. It’s easy to see then, how we, his church, resemble that box of crayons, we’re all different. God designed us like that, because that’s how he rolls. Look at his creation, there isn’t just one kind of flower, animal or rock, no, there are multitudes. God realized that to be successful, his greatest work of art, the church, must be a unique assortment of followers. A box containing only one color is boring. So too, a church that’s monochromatic.
Let’s face it, we all are designed to worship God in our own way. Some of us are the flamboyant type, and find our expression in singing and writing. Others are teachers, leaders, organizers and hospitable hosts, all working to the same end. “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.” 1 Corinthians 12: 4-6.
The church can’t continue with only one kind of talent, it needs them all. Just because we enter different sanctuaries, doesn’t mean we’re coming out of different boxes of crayons. Over the centuries, however, division has occurred. Instead of working together on the picture that God began, we started name-calling and camp choosing. We’ll never be able to complete the picture with only the colors our denomination selects. We must all work together, in harmony, striving for the exact same end. David knew this when he said, “How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity!” Psalm 133:1. Paul loving reminds us in this way. “Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. “Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father, who is over all and in all and living through all.” Ephesians 4:2-6.
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, let’s remember that we’re all crayons in His big box; Colorful, varied and beautiful, just like the picture of his beautiful church!
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