Have you ever given a person a gift and never seen them wear it or never seen them use it? I know I have. And it hurts to think it is not appreciated. When buying a gift for those I care about I put a lot of thought and effort into buying something I think the person would like. To never see it worn or used or displayed makes me feel that time and effort of choosing it was wasted. I imagine the Lord must feel like that too when He gives us gifts and they are not used.
The Lord knows what gifts are needed in your community and in your church. He has provided the gifts that are needed to grow His kingdom and reach out to others. As Ephesians 4:7-16 reminds us grace and gifts are given for the growth in God’s people – the church. We must use theses gifts and not let them go to waste, verse 7.
The aim and duty of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers is to prepare God’s people for works of service, verse 12. Are we listening to those who teach us? Are prepared to take on the service He has for us? Are we trying to dodge that service saying we ‘don’t have time’ or are ‘ill-equipped’ or use some other excuse. If God has called us to a work, He will stretch our time and He will enable us to the do the job He has called us to.
The purpose of service is to build up the church collectively and Christians individually, verses 12-13 till we reach maturity. Are we content to stagnate rather than grow and mature as believers? Do we settle for part measure or the ‘fullness of Christ,’ verse 13?
As verse 15 says, do we ‘speak the truth in love?’ Or shy away from tackling the hard issues? Do we speak the truth but in less than a loving manner?
The whole point of this passage is to challenge us. Are we growing as Christians or are we static? And what are we doing to help others in the church grow?
Bible verses taken from The New American Standard Version
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