As beautiful as the structure and color of an individual thread is, it is much more beautiful when woven with other threads into a tapestry. In the same way, we settle for much less when we try and go at it alone within the Christian life. It’s true, we as individuals are redeemed ones and given gifts and a new identity in Christ. We are made to glorify God. However, without the gifts, personalities, stories, and experiences of others, we remain only a single thread.

As Paul says in 1 Corinthians 12:18-21, “But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I don’t need you!’ And the head cannot say to the feet, ‘I don’t need you!’” You can see here the beautiful diversity in the body. All the parts are necessary for our own transformation and for a watching world to see what we have in the Lord Jesus.

What gifts do you have?
What gifts do you need around you to compliment and protect you?