by Desiree Bustamante

God created us as unique individuals and our differences are a blessing.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

“We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord. For even Christ didn’t live to please himself.

May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory.”
Romans 15:2-3, 5-7 New Living Translation

The harvest season of melons has arrived. There are many melon varieties and, even though they may look and grow differently, they have their roots from the same family and still contain valuable nutrients while tasting delicious.

As Christians, we mature together and receive our spiritual nourishment from the same vine, Christ. We are all unique from one another in shape, size, color, personality, skills and abilities. Yet in the most important way we are alike, for we are all children of God walking with Christ and living for His kingdom. Our differences should never distract us from our true purpose in Him, encouraging one another in our spiritual growth and sowing seeds of God’s love to the world.

We should never find ourselves crowding out others to promote more of our own presence in the world. Doing this is like one melon crowding another one, which may threaten its ripeness and maturity at harvest. Overlooking and neglecting others who love the Lord is the same as neglecting Christ himself.

We are all God’s creation, built to worship Him and accomplish good works He prepared for us. Our differences should not divide us. We should be united in Christ because He loved us, even in our sin and brokenness. Then we can come to His throne united in praise and thanksgiving to our one true vine.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado