I don’t know what comes to mind when you hear the word multifaceted or manifold. To me, multifaceted conjures up images of a boardroom and a presentation about diversifying a companies revenue streams, or a financial manager counseling his clients to develop a multifaceted retirement plan. Manifold, to me, is part of my SUVs internal combustion engine (exhaust manifold).

Let me encourage you to put those kind of images aside when you read the following verse. Instead, think of a gemstone that has many facets and is multicolored. That’ll help. The apostle Paul writes,

“Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ, and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold [multifaceted] wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Ephesians 3:8-11

The church, according to Paul, was part of God’s plan to display the glory of his various, multifaceted, manifold, multicolored, rich, beautiful wisdom. It’s the canvas on which he puts his wisdom on display for the world to see, and not just the world, but the rulers and authorities in heavenly realms. That’s crazy awesome.

I don’t know what you’re experience with the church has been. But, let me encourage you moving forward to look for God’s wisdom in it. Look past the cracks, flaws, and fissures. Don’t get distracted by the mud and crud that covers the church at times (we all contribute to the mud and crud). Gaze deep. Ask the Lord to give you eyes to see and a heart to love the beauty of the church!