Ephesians 4:16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

The classic example here is the new kid in school. I grew up in one town, never moved and never had to figure out how to fit in to a new school. I didn’t know how that felt. When I began going to church I found out and I didn’t much care for the experience. I wanted to fit in but I didn’t know how.

Fitting in at a new church should not be the same as in a school setting by trying to pick and choose who you like. You are called to love everyone and that is no easy matter. Here within a church body where you fit in is determined by the body itself. All you have to do is be real, let them get to know the real you and over time they will discover what God is doing in you that meets the needs of the body.

Within any church body there will be those with spiritual discernment and they will tell you what they see in you. You might not see it yourself if you have not yet developed spiritual discernment. They will help you identify your gifts, talents and find a place for you to grow into that place where you are “fitly joined”. You will be surrounded by those who recognized your place in the puzzle and call you to “sit here”.

My gifts were not developed apart from the body of Christ but rather within the body. The key to fitting in is being real and accepting. As you grow in Christ they will recognize those changes even before you do, if you are being real.