This simple illustration will demonstrate how we all work together for the common goal of serving God. We may approach tasks in different ways and each of us is unique, but we are all God’s people and our aim is to help others know Him while we worship as well.
Wear a pair of mismatched gloves, socks, or shoes…just so it is prominently visible and clearly different. Explain that in the early morning darkness and rush of getting prepared, you didn’t manage to grab items that were exactly the same. Do the gloves/socks match? No! They are different. However, both of them will keep the hands (or feet) warm. They will still accomplish the purpose for which they were made. They do not look the same. They might even feel slightly different. But they will still protect the body so it can function well.
Explain that as people, and as members of the church, we are like that, too. Paul writes in the book of 1 Corinthians about the church as compared to a body…there are different parts, but all work for the same thing:
Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? Now eagerly desire the greater gifts. (1 Corinthians 12:27-31)
Some people might not seem to “match” others…some are older, some are youngers. Some look different. Some approach problems or tasks in unique ways. But each and every person is created by God and we can all serve the same purpose…just like the funny gloves!
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