
Ephesians 4:11-16
verse 16: From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
One of the struggles for a ”mature Christian” is accepting one’s place in the immediate scheme of things. By that I mean, we can’t all be ”essential workers” all of the time. This has been a struggle for me. When I do something I want it to make a difference. Even if it is just clearing off my craft table. It needs to be done well, and to be necessary. I know I have passed by opportunities to serve because it felt as if there were so many others already doing that job, and doing it very well. I realize this is my pride getting in the way. We all do our piece. Lots of things can’t be done unless many join in. And there are probably many times when God asks us to do something ”small“ because it is important in His will. I need to listen for His voice and His guidance. He will show the way.
Father God, I ask forgiveness for all of the times I passed by opportunities to be a small part of a big job. Help me to recognize your will for me. Amen
Becky, transforming
20201014 Wednesday, Daily Devotion - Ephesians 4:11-12
11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up
Today’s scriptures show that each of us is called a person of God with a unique talent. At the same time, this is the reason we need to walk and work together for the dream of God. We need one another because each of us is good at one or two talents needing more help from others. This is a reason we need to be humble and teachable to do the work of God. God promised that He causes…
Ephesians 4:12
To equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up . . .
As we discussed last evening, whatever service we perform, some people will recognize it as a gift of Christian love. We won’t have to wear signs to advertise the fact. Our experience gained by being a part of the organized church throughout our lives has prepared us to serve. In my case to serve the homeless in Worcester through the Mustard Seed group and in Concord through the Friendly Kitchen, to name a few. Our efforts will be appreciated and the body of Christ will be built up.
Dear Lord guide us to find ways to bring…
Ephesians 4: 11-16
15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.
“The more a man finds himself drawn out to improve in his station, and according to his measure, all that he has received, to the spiritual good of others, he may the more certainly believe that he has the grace of sincere love and charity rooted in his heart.” Matthew Henry Commentary
Sometimes I find it difficult to warm up to certain people. I guess this is when I should take a look at myself and attempt to improve upon this short coming. Perhaps this is a test for me…
Ephesians 4:14 - “We must no longer be children, tossed to and fro and blown about by every wind of doctrine, by people’s trickery, by their craftiness in deceitful scheming.”
Doctrine is a concept that the postmodern mind chafes against. Doctrine implies authority and ever since the 1960’s the cultural mantra has been to question authority. Ironically, “Question authority” is the doctrinal statement of postmodern thought. They vainly think they are totally free agents, unencumbered by magical thinking and superstition, but all follow some doctrine. Paul was warning the Ephesians then and us today that not all doctrine is edifying, good and true. Christians choose to plant their doctrinal flag on the Rock of Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Firmly…