The Beautiful Stone Fireplace

Centered on the western wall of our den is a beautiful stone fireplace. Floor to ceiling stands a combination of uniquely designed stones. Various colors, sizes and shapes are pieced together in a random pattern and bonded with a plain, gray mortar. The fireplace is flanked on both sides by built-in, oak bookshelves. Upon my first view of this wall, I became convinced that this was the home I wanted to live in. That fireplace stands majestically, drawing the eye of all to see. Because of the open tri-level floorplan, the fireplace is visible within only a few steps from the front door.

Before even looking at this house, we already knew that the floor plan met the basic requirements of three bedrooms and two living areas to accommodate the needs of our family plus my mother. The location was exactly where we had hoped to live, and the cul-de-sac on which the house stands would provide a quiet neighborhood. The fenced in backyard was another plus. Upon walking in the front door that first day, there were already several positive factors to this home. Then I saw that wall and in my heart, I felt I was home.

As members of the worldwide church, believers from all around the globe are very much like that stone fireplace. Jesus Christ is the living cornerstone and we are called to be built together with Him. “Come to Him [then, to that] Living Stone which men tried and threw away, but which is chosen [and] precious in God's sight. [Come] and, like living stones, be yourselves built [into] a spiritual house, for a holy (dedicated, consecrated) priesthood, to offer Up [those] spiritual sacrifices [that are] acceptable and pleasing to God through Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 2:4-5 AMP) We are placed and bonded together precisely as Lord planned and designed.

Nowhere, are we called to be uniformly cut bricks. Bricks are made to be of the same size, shape and often color. They can be neatly lined up together forming even layers. Stones, on the other hand, are anything but uniform. Shape, size and color vary by each individual stone. They do not neatly fit together without leaving odd-shaped spaces between themselves requiring a great deal of mortar to solidly bind them to each other. As believers, we are not called to sameness. Although we share a belief and dedication to the truth found in the Word of God, we are each uniquely created by our Heavenly Father. “So we, numerous as we are, are one body in Christ (the Messiah) and individually we are parts one of another [mutually dependent on one another]. Having gifts (faculties, talents, qualities) that differ according to the grace given us.” (Romans 12:5-6a AMP) The gifts and talents given to us by the Lord are unique to each one of us and our expression of these gifts will also be unique. With whatever talent God has given us, we are to serve God and others with all our heart. By doing so we will find our perfect spot in the body of Christ.

We had each been created uniquely for the work that God has planned for us. King David spoke of the wonder of being created by God. (See Psalm 139:13-18) In the midst of this passage he wrote. “Your eyes saw my unformed substance, and in Your book all the days [of my life] were written before ever they took shape, when as yet there was none of them. How precious and weighty also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How vast is the sum of them!” (v.16-17) Not only did God create us to be unique and plan us from before our birth, but He has called us His work of art. “For we are God's [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live].” (Ephesians 2:10 AMP)

Our uniqueness is of great value when we are joined together with other believers. Working hand-in-hand and allowing each to fulfill his/her own role, we show the beauty of Jesus Christ. “For because of Him the whole body (the church, in all its various parts), closely joined and firmly knit together by the joints and ligaments with which it is supplied, when each part [with power adapted to its need] is working properly [in all its functions], grows to full maturity, building itself up in love.” (Ephesians 4:16 AMP) The mortar that binds us together is God’s love. “And above all these [put on] love and enfold yourselves with the bond of perfectness [which binds everything together completely in ideal harmony].” (Colossians 3:14 AMP) When we express this love, we will create a beautiful wall of unique stones that will attract the eye of others. Many will see God’s people living together in harmony and desire to make this their home.

Express your uniqueness and accept that of your fellow believers. Together we all create an inviting, warm place to call home.