Equal Individuals

So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God's household, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit. Ephesians 2:19-22 (New American Standard Bible)


Paul’s view of other believers touches me deeply. He was not one to put himself or anyone else on a pedestal or in a place of insignificance. Surely, as a Pharisee, before he came to know Christ, there would have been a lot of comparisons and competition, but that changed when he became a Christian. Fellow citizens, fit together, and built together as a place for God Himself to dwell…THAT’S how Paul saw it. That’s how God sees it. That’s how each of us need to see it.

I took a moment this morning to see how many ways Paul used the word “fellow” in conjunction with other words. The list is astounding. Fellow heirs, fellow workers, fellow partakers, fellow citizens, fellow members, fellow soldiers, fellow bond-servants, fellow prisoners, and fellow servants. To Paul, if you were a member of the body of Christ, you possessed the same citizenship as other believers, were a companion in God’s work, joint partner, joint participant, and served the same Master. The unity and equality must not be missed here. As far as Paul was concerned, we are in this together!

For any who grew up feeling less than others, wanting to be someone other than themselves, filled with feelings of unimportance and worthlessness, Paul’s words are meant to rewrite those messages of insignificance. While there is variety within the body of Christ when it comes to gifts, talents, ministry opportunities, material possessions, callings, education, experience, and location, the bottom line is one of likeness when it comes to who we are in Christ and what we possess ….. the Holy Spirit, eternal security, and access to the throne of grace to name a few. While God may have a different calling on a person’s life, He does not play favorites or have favorites. None are a lost face in the crowd to Him When that is not our belief, we can be sure we have bought into a lie about ourselves and about Him. If that be the case, may we allow His Word to speak necessary truth into our minds and hearts. May any false view or negative feeling be replaced with the joy of our equality and unity in Christ.

Father, for too long I compared myself, my walk, and my life with others. Thank you for individuality and uniqueness that does not take away from what You are showing me. Help me to see my specialness in Christ like never before. Amen.

Mighty to Save - Hillsong
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sR8rlTIU8_Y&feature=related

Getting into God's Word and letting God's Word get into me one truth at a time.