People seeking a better life have come to America from all over the world. Our country has become a “melting pot” of different cultures that have been blended together into one people. The idea of a melting pot comes from a large kettle of stew where various ingredients are added until a wonderful blend emerges. We, who know the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior, have become a part of a far greater melting pot of people. I Corinthians 12:13 says, “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.” For several thousand years, the Lord has been taking sinners saved by grace from all over the world and placing them into the Body of Christ. By identification with the Savior, we have become one.

This concept of all believers, regardless of age, color, or previous culture, being blended into one body of believers is more than a doctrinal fact. Our Savior intends for it to have several practical results. We are never to assume the attitude “…I have no need” of another believer (vs. 15-21). Just as a body needs every part: an eye, foot, and ear, we all need every believer. Just as each physical body part is “necessary” (vs. 22), we are to see every member of the Body of Christ as necessary for us to function properly and to be whole. An ear may seem less beautiful than the eyes, but both are truly beautiful when we understand how important each one is to our ability to function in a whole capacity. Similarly, we are to see every believer in “comeliness,” or beauty, because they too contribute something critical to the function of the Body of Christ. God has “tempered” us all together with mutual need. Therefore, the desire of the Savior is that there “should be no schism in the body” (vs. 25a). The word “schism” means a split, division, or gap. We must endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit so that no “schism” exists between believers. Finally, believers are to “have the same care one for another” (vs. 25b). This means we are to nourish, protect, comfort and build up one another.

We should each ask ourselves: “Am I functioning with other believers the way the Savior intends?” What action can you take today to demonstrate the proper attitude toward other believers?