Unity and Variety -- A Delicate Balance..

The apostle Paul set a good example of Christian balance..
Although haveing authority as an apostle of Christ ,
he was carefull not to impose his opinions on others..

For instance , Paul had a strong opinion about the advantages of singleness
in this imperfect world...
He himself was single at the time he wrote:
" Thoses who [ marry ] will have tribulation in the flesh, "and,
" [ a widow ] is happier if she remains as she is, acoording to my opinion."

The fact that his words became part of the inspired Word of God indicates
there was nothing wrong with his opinion."
Yet , he allso explained:
" Even if you did marry , you would commit no sin."
{ 1 Corinthians 7:28, 40 }

Evidently, most of the apostles were married men,
as Paul acknowledged with the words :
" We have authority to lead about a sister as a wife ,
even as the rest of the apostles and the Lord's brothers and Cephas,
do we not ?"
{1 Corinthians 9:5 }

Christians knew that in this matter they could make choices different
from Paul's and he would still respect them..
Worshipers of God have allways been allowed to express their faith in
harmony with their unique personality...