July 26

And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of god, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ. Ephesians 4:11-13.

I can not think of a better description of the church—the body of Christ. In the pressures of this world we sometimes forget the various gifts and purposes for which each of us are called. We expect our pastors to do far too much—we should be attending to their spiritual needs and allowing them to focus upon the primary mission of the church—building each of us together into a mature, Christ-filled Christian. Each one of us needs to step forward and exercise the gifts we have been given. In the true Biblical sense there is no difference between laity and clergy—we are all ministers of the Word.

Where are the prophets today? Have we shouted them down to the point that they no longer wish to take the abuse? Where are the servants that want to serve? I am afraid it is far easier to criticize the work of others. I pray that we can work together in the knowledge of Jesus—who He is and what He has given us. I pray that we can realize fully the grace-filled life of our new creation. Many of us seemed trapped in the old Adam life, and to rise above that trap we need the assurance of a fellowship of believers to bring us into a more trusting, faithful walk with our Lord.

Today, Lord Jesus, let me carefully guard the purposes of Your church. I will see You in each person with whom I work. I will look for their gifts and help each of them to properly exercise the gift. I will not criticize or place myself in any position that appears to be superior. We will work humbly together as we walk with You. Remove any tendency for me to trust in worldly ways—they just don’t apply to Your church. The way of agape love, with all the attendant fruit of the Spirit, is the path of choice. Thank You and Amen.
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