Whispers of Glory

Together in the Tide “This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other. If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad. All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.” 1 Corinthians 12:25-27 (NLT) With my toes in the sand, I strolled along the vast coastline of the Gulf on a peaceful summer morning. All was good in my world; we had just arrived to our beach home in Florida for summer break. I could feel God’s presence as I gazed out over the water, His glory surrounding me. As I walked along, my eyes couldn’t help but notice several schools of bait fish swimming up and down the shoreline. I became fascinated as I watched them swim all together in perfect unison. Turning, going forward, side-to-side all together as if they were one. As I walked into the water to observe, they instantly spread in unison to avoid my foot. I walked forward again. They once more dodged my leg in instant unison to elude my presence in the water. I was captivated by this teamwork. It’s astounding how God created these creatures to swim together, in unison, all for the purpose to protect each other from predators. It’s much harder for a predator to isolate prey when a fish is surrounded by several of its’ closest friends. This is much like how the enemy operates in our lives. When he has us isolated and alone he can convince us to believe his lies and cause us to stray or stumble. But when we’re surrounded by our community in Christ, our friends can protect us by supporting us and speaking words of truth and encouragement into our hearts and minds. In Ecclesiastes 4:12 (NIV), Solomon reminds us that there is strength in unity. “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” As Christ followers, we are called to live this same way. Working all together, in unison, for God’s purpose and His glory, all for the Kingdom of heaven. We are not just individuals; we are parts of one Body. Just as the apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 12, when one part suffers, we all feel it. When one part is honored, we all rejoice. There is no room for comparison or division in the Body of Christ. Each of us has a role that matters. Every gift, every voice, every act of love contributes to the harmony of the whole. When we live this out––we care for each other. We endure trials and find joy all together. We support, encourage and do life together. This is how the Church becomes a force of love and light in a dark world. As I turned to walk back up the shore on my morning beach walk, I looked again at the gentle waves and the shimmering schools of fish swimming in perfect accord. It is what it looks like when the Body of Christ is healthy and whole. Beautiful. Purposeful. Protected. God designed us to move through life not alone, but together. His Spirit brings unity, and His Word calls us to love deeply and serve faithfully. Let’s come together in harmony, peace, and thanksgiving as we serve our King. Each one of us a vital part of His Body, swimming together toward His glory. Prayerful Reflections: Do you have a community of believers around you to “swim” though live with? How are you working together alongside other believers to further the Kingdom of heaven and walk closer with Jesus? God’s Character Highlights: Creator, Protector, Loving, Peace, Faithful