The Unity and Diversity of the Body

Jeffrey Johnson's sermon, "The Unity and Diversity of the Body," deeply explores the concept of unity within the church, emphasizing that it is not synonymous with uniformity. According to Johnson, unity is one of the core attributes of a true church, a significant principle in God's mind, and is critical to the health and function of the church community. He contrasts this with the divisive nature of contemporary society, where political and social discord is rampant, and points out that churches can fall into similar traps of division.Johnson highlights the misconception that unity means everyone must have the same gifts, abilities, and appearances, creating an environment where members are expected to be clones of one another. He argues that this false notion of unity mirrors a misguided push for equality that seeks to make everyone identical, a concept he links to Marxism. This idea, he suggests, is flawed because it ignores the beauty and necessity of diversity within the church. True unity, from God's perspective, requires a blend of common beliefs and diverse gifts and callings.Using the church in Corinth as an example, Johnson explains that the early Christians overemphasized the importance of revelatory gifts like speaking in tongues, leading to envy and disunity. These gifts, which were meant to be temporary and were used to communicate God's will before the New Testament was written, became a source of pride and competition. This elevation of specific gifts caused members to undervalue other essential spiritual gifts and led to chaos in their worship services.Johnson points out that such problems persist today, particularly among charismatic groups that view speaking in tongues as a litmus test for genuine faith. He stresses that the true mark of a Christian is not the possession of showy gifts but the confession of Jesus as Lord. This shared confession is the foundation of unity within the church, regardless of the diverse backgrounds and former idolatries of its members.In discussing spiritual gifts, Johnson emphasizes that they are grace-given and not earned. Every believer receives different gifts from the Holy Spirit, and these gifts are essential for the church's overall function and health. He uses the metaphor of the body to illustrate how each member has a unique role, and the absence of any part would hinder the body's ability to function effectively. Just as the human body requires different parts to perform various functions, the church needs a variety of spiritual gifts to thrive.Johnson also addresses the issue of members feeling inadequate or envious because they lack certain gifts. He encourages believers to recognize and appreciate their unique contributions to the church, understanding that every gift, whether seen or unseen, is vital. He warns against evaluating others based on one's own strengths and urges the church to celebrate the diversity of gifts that God has provided.Moreover, Johnson underscores the importance of service and ministry within the church. He notes that every act of service, no matter how small, is significant in God's eyes and contributes to the church's unity and growth. He shares anecdotes to illustrate how different members serve in various capacities, often behind the scenes, and how these acts of service are crucial to the church's functioning.In conclusion, Johnson reaffirms that unity in the church is not about making everyone the same but about embracing and celebrating the diversity of gifts and backgrounds. This diversity, when rooted in a common confession of faith and a shared purpose, strengthens the church and enables it to fulfill its mission. He calls on believers to avoid criticizing others for their differences and instead to support and encourage one another, recognizing that every member is essential to the body of Christ.