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Date: Feb 10, 2004

This word is submitted by Teresa Seputis (ts@godspeak.org)

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                         Unity In Diversity

It is not an accident that there is much diversity in My body. There
are different anointings and different callings, that I might reach
many to bring them into the kingdom.  And the diversity also exists
that I might minister to many in My body and cause them to grow and
mature to the full stature of their maturity in Me.  Do not despise
those in My body who have different callings and destinies than the
one I have given to you

Did you know that I am glorified in the liturgical services, rich
with symbolism and reminders of what I have done for My own? Did you
know I am glorified in the evangelicals who study to show themselves
approved and who are quick to be my witnesses in season and out 
of season. Did you know I am glorified in the charismatics, who have
great passion for me and who desire to welcome and experience my 
presence in their midst.  Did you know I am glorified in the 
Pentecostals, who demonstrate the reality of my power? No one form of
worship is right to the exclusion of the others. I have appointed many
different forms of worship and church cultures, that many different 
types of people will be drawn to me.  One is not better than another,
though one will be more fitting for you personally than another. That
is why I have many -- that all in My body may be fitted into their
proper place in Me.

Have I not said in My word that if all were eyes, where would the
hearing be? Or if all were ears, where would the smelling be? I am
not limited or incomplete and neither is My body.  I have many 
different aspects and callings and focuses in My body, but all are
to work together to advance My kingdom and to bring the lost to 
know Me.

I have My eyes, the visionaries who see where the Father is going in
this season and mobilize the body of Christ with strategies to get
them there.  I have My ears, those who devote themselves to listen
to Me and hear My voice, some even dedicated to quiet meditation and
prayer.  Others of My hearers are My prophets who hear what I am saying
and proclaim it to others.  I have My nose, the discerners and guards, 
who catch the scent of enemy activity in the body of Christ and who
raise up a standard against it.  I have My mouth, those who speak 
blessings and encourage and those who teach and instruct and train up 
believers in the way they should go.  I have My backbone, those who
will not be swayed by public opinion and politics and laws, but rather 
will become active in changing those laws and politics and policies.  I
have My hands, those who serve the needs of the poor and hurting through
social work and feeding the hungry.  I have My heart, those who 
demonstrate My love to the hurting and to the lost.  I have My knees, 
the intercessors, who pray at My direction with great authority and who 
are able to raise a standard against the plans and strategies of the 
enemy.  I have My feet, the evangelists and missionaries who go to the 
mountains and to the valleys to share the good news.

My body is composed of many different parts, each with it's own giftings
and it's own purpose.  Not everyone in my body has the same calling you 
do.  Not everyone has the same purpose and goals that you have.  What is 
optimal for you may not be right for them, because their commission and 
purpose is different from yours.  

Do not despise them simply because I have given them a different purpose. 
Do your purpose well for Me and bless them as they do theirs.  You are 
incomplete in and of yourself.  Even your church or your denomination
is not complete in and of itself.  The diversity that I have created in 
My body is essential to the full functioning of My kingdom purposes.  So 
do not despise those who know and worship Me differently than you do.  
Do not despise those who serve Me in other areas than the area I have 
called you to.

Not all are warriors and not all are pastors and not all are evangelists 
and not all are intercessors.  Likewise, each church and congregation and 
denomination has a different flavor and a different purpose and a 
different anointing.  But all exist that My father might be glorified and 
that My name might be lifted up so that the lost will come to know Me.  
Serve Me well in the role I have appointed to you, but do not despise 
those who I have appointed to other roles.  For I would have diversity in 
My body, but I would also have unity in My body.  

Love one another, as I have loved you.  Value each different role and 
each different assignment that I have released in My Church.  For you 
are all one in Me, and as you work together in unity, My kingdom will 
advance and My purposes will be accomplished.