SCRIPTURE: Ephesians 4:1-16

OBSERVATIONS

1. (vv.1-6) As Christ-followers, how we live will either support or hinder my witness for Him. Paul stresses “oneness” to show how Jesus Christ unites us, and to expose the sinful attitudes that undermine that unity.
APPLICATION: I struggle with then gentleness and patience with people who think or behave differently from me. Being a Christ-follower compels me to bear with others in love, ESPECIALLY those who are difficult to relate to.

2. (vv.7-13) We are one, but we are not all the same. The Lord has graced us uniquely, so that we can use our gifts to build up one another, to bring out the best in one another, to equip one another for living as Christ-followers.
APPLICATION: My gifts are not for me, for my advantage, for my pleasure. They are for the purpose of building others up, helping people grow. Am I using my gifts to their best advantage, am I blessing and helping others as much as I could?

3. (vv.14-16) When we work together to build each other up in Christ, then we are strengthened and stabilized against life’s storms, standing strong in the Lord. Like the human body, we are all different, but we must work together to function in a healthy way.
APPLICATION: Instead of focusing on the “body parts” that are not doing their part, I need to be certain that I am doing my part. Am I a team-player, or am I acting like a prima-donna? My life, and the life of the Church, will only be stable if we live out of humility as one family in Christ, loving and serving one another.

PRAYER:
Lord, forgive me for having critical attitudes towards others, and forgive me for not pulling my weight, for letting the storms of life deter me. Help me to cling to You and to serve Your people with love and humility. Amen.