December 29, 2010
Truth Connections
Devotions for Parents on the Go
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Community, Part 2: The Purpose of Community
Background Passages: Ephesians 4:1-32
Today's Focal Passage:

7 Now grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of the Messiah's gift.
14 Then we will no longer be little children, tossed by the waves and blown around by every wind of teaching, by human cunning with cleverness in the techniques of deceit. 15 But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into Him who is the head-Christ. 16 From Him the whole body, fitted and knit together by every supporting ligament, promotes the growth of the body for building up itself in love by the proper working of each individual part. 

Ephesians 4:7,14-16



Just Me and Jesus and You and You and You and...

What if your journey with Jesus was a solo trek? It sure would be convenient to set your own pace and do things your way. You wouldn't have to wait on anybody, carry their pack, or walk a mile in their shoes. But what would happen when you needed encouragement to get up the hill or advice on which way to turn? How would you stay warm when the rain and winds blew? Who would you lean on if you twisted your ankle?

The truth is, there is no "just me and Jesus" on the Christian journey. When we come to Christ we become part of His Body, the church. God intends for individual members of the church to travel together, to need each other, to help each other grow. The church is not some afterthought God threw out there so we'd have something to do on Sunday. It's not some activity He thought up so we can prove what good people we are. The church is more than an activity, more than a religious country club, more than an organization we give a few hours to every week. The church is a vital part of God's plan for His children to grow in their faith as they interact with other believers.

Your church is not an accident. The believers you're with are not some random group of people. God has knitted your particular (and probably peculiar) community together into a special pattern. Each person is needed for the body to be healthy and strong. You matter. People in your church need your spiritual gift, your testimony, your life experiences, your personality, your talents, and yes, even your quirkiness!

Lord, thank you for my church. I'm sorry for the times I've tried to go it alone. Use all I am and have to help other believers grow to be more like you. Help me let go of my pride and allow others to help me be a stronger Christian. I ask this in Jesus' name, Amen.
Amy Summers
Digging Deeper: "The Messiah's gift" (v. 7)

The Greek word rendered gift has the sense of something conferred freely and lavishly. The phrase "the Messiah's gift" refers to Christ's giving each believer one or more grace gifts to be exercised for the community's benefit and for His redemptive purpose. Each Christian has a unique gift or gifts that only Christ can give, and all grace gifts are significant and generous. Believers are responsible for using their gifts to fulfill their vital functions in the Christian community. The gifts differ, but they are to contribute to the body's unity and growth.