There is one body [of believers] and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when called [to salvation]— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of us all who is [sovereign] over all and [working] through all and [living] in all. Yet grace [God’s undeserved favor] was given to each one of us [not indiscriminately, but in different ways] in proportion to the measure of Christ’s [rich and abundant] gift.
Therefore it says,
“When He ascended on high,
He led captivity captive,
And He bestowed gifts on men.”
(Now this expression, “He ascended,” what does it mean except that He also had previously descended [from the heights of heaven] into the lower parts of the earth? He who descended is the very same as He who also has ascended high above all the heavens, that He [His presence] might fill all things [that is, the whole universe]).
And [His gifts to the church were varied and] He Himself appointed some as apostles [special messengers, representatives], some as prophets [who speak a new message from God to the people], some as evangelists [who spread the good news of salvation], and some as pastors and teachers [to shepherd and guide and instruct], [and He did this] to fully equip and perfect the saints (God’s people) for works of service, to build up the body of Christ [the church]; until we all reach oneness in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God, [growing spiritually] to become a mature believer, reaching to the measure of the fullness of Christ [manifesting His spiritual completeness and exercising our spiritual gifts in unity]. So that we are no longer children [spiritually immature], tossed back and forth [like ships on a stormy sea] and carried about by every wind of [shifting] doctrine, by the cunning and trickery of [unscrupulous] men, by the deceitful scheming of people ready to do anything [for personal profit]. But speaking the truth in love [in all things—both our speech and our lives expressing His truth], let us grow up in all thingsinto Him [following His example] who is the Head—Christ. From Him the whole body [the church, in all its various parts], joined and knitted firmly together by what every joint supplies, when each part is working properly, causes the body to grow and mature, building itself up in [unselfish] love. (Ephesians 4:4-16 AMP)
REFLECTION
True faith is not passive. This is made abundantly clear in the above passage and also in James 2:17 AMPC:
So also faith, if it does not have works (deeds and actions of obedience to back it up), by itself is destitute of power (inoperative, dead).
We are not going to experience personal and collective breakthrough if we don’t choose to do the necessary work, in faith. Each one of us has a part to play in the unfolding process of transformation. As we seek to know the only One who knows exactly what it is that we need to do, let’s then actually do what we truly believe He is guiding us to do and trust that He will continue to guide and correct us, in His higher way and perfect timing. We sow and water in faith and He causes the growth (see 1 Corinthians 3:6). So let’s prayerfully and carefully take (consistent) action and leave the results – together with ourselves and all that we do – in His perfectly powerful, infinitely loving and holy hands.
PRAYER POEM
My Marvellous Maker ~ You are so wonderfully wise, please open my eyes and cause me to see and know You and Your will more deeply. I completely commit all that I am to You, trusting You to do what only You can do, as I do – in faith – what I believe You are calling me to. For in You I am made strong and victory is my theme song.
