September 25

Thank You for Your Support!

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 106:24-31 | Isaiah 45:11-48:11 | Ephesians 4:1-16 | Proverbs 24:3-4

From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work (Ephesians 4:16 NIV). 

We each have a vital role to play in the body of Christ. Each of us is gifted for ministry. The leadership gifts (like pastor-teacher) are given in large part to equip the body (all of us) to do the work of the ministry. We don’t sit in a pew and pay the pastor to do the work. The “up-front gifts” are given to equip those with the “behind the scenes gifts” to join those “up-front” in the work of ministry. Listen carefully to Paul: “It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, [12] to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up [13] until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:11-13).

That is a beautiful picture of a healthy church. It is a picture of a church operating as it was intended to. Notice the results: the body is built up, there is unity, there is maturity, there is growth. 

In addition to using our gifts in ministry, we are also to do our part in ministering to each other—caring for each other. Each of us is a supporting ligament in the body. Each of us has a part to play. When someone is hurting, you are a supporting ligament—someone needs you.

The healthy church is one where each member recognizes their role and where each part does its work. Imagine a body where only one arm was trying to do all the work. Little of value is accomplished. A healthy body requires a coordinated effort of all the parts. What is your part?

By the way, thanks for your support. I don’t know what I’d do without a supporting ligament like you!

Lord, help me to find my place and use my gifts in my local body of Christ. Help me to be an encouragement to others and support them in their time of need. Thank you for my brothers and sisters in Christ. Amen.