Walk In Unity

Ephesians 4:11-13, 16 (ESV)
 
And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ…
 
…from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.
 
 
Reflection
 
Did you know, on average, cars have approximately 30,000 parts? Each part requires different raw materials and manufacturing processes. The goal for each part is to come together, in unity, to build a functioning vehicle to get us from point A to B.
In this verse, Paul is stating that the body of Christ is given various roles for the purpose of building up God’s kingdom. Like cars, our church has a vast number of parts needed to respond to God’s calling in this season – planting campuses. Each part is uniquely created by our Creator for a purpose. Each part is refined by trials and sufferings for God’s glory. We are an integral part. God wired you and me with distinct gifts and resources to work together in unity and respond to His calling.
I would argue that there’s nothing more frustrating than realizing a part in a vehicle isn’t working at its full potential or not working at all. If a part isn’t contributing to the cohesiveness of the vehicle’s function, it impacts the vehicle’s performance. Each part must do its part (pun intended) and perform in unity.
Let’s not sit idle and waste our God given gifts and resources. Let’s not miss out on this opportunity to use our gifts and to walk in unity for the greatest purpose – the purpose of changing someone’s eternity.
This begs the question: will you offer your gifts and walk in unity with us?

Action Steps
 
1. If you’re wrestling with the decision to commit, talk to God through prayer and seek His guidance for your next steps.
2. Dive deeper by reading Ephesians chapter 4 in its entirety.

Prayer
 
Heavenly Father, thank You for loving me. Thank You for Your provision – You are my forever Shepherd. Help me to see all You’ve given me and to use it to bring You honor and glory. Lord, stir my heart for Your will. In Your mighty name, amen.