“Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.” — Ephesians 4:15-16
I had lunch with a friend the other day. As we talked, he said something about “P.T. slabs.” With my engineering background, I knew he was obviously talking about post-tensioned slabs. But, I told him, most people would not understand that. We then shared a laugh.
In general, engineers have added reinforcing steel to concrete for years. Concrete is naturally strong in compression but weak in tension. So, by adding steel to concrete, you can have a column (or beam) that is both strong in compression and tension. Are you still with me?
In other words, engineers discovered that by adding these two materials together, you can create a product that has more strength combined than apart.
We Go Together
It’s the same way in the Church! Like the above passage in Ephesians teaches us, each individual part works together in love. Because they do, the church body grows and builds itself up.
Sometimes, our differences can be irritating. A person who is strong in mercy might be bothered by someone strong in discernment. Or vice versa. But, like post-tensioned slabs, God has given us our unique gifts to specifically strengthen each other where we are weak.
I have a challenge (for both you and me). Let’s not be bothered by those who are gifted differently than us. Instead, let’s ask ourselves a question. “How does this person’s strengths complement my weaknesses?”
Striving to appreciate the diverse body,
Posted in A Word from the Pastor