Our scripture for the Daily Devotional today is taken from Ephesians 4:7-13. It needs to start right here and right now. Within the church and body of Christ, we have each been given the Spirit of God. More than that, God has given each of us gifts and blessings to build up His church.
“But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. 8 This is why it[a] says:
“When he ascended on high,
he took many captives
and gave gifts to his people.”[b]
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9 (What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions[c]? 10 He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.) 11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his 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.”
The church is not dictated to by the pastor, Jesus is our leader!
God has apportioned to each of us gifts and equipped us all to be the church. There are far too many followers of pastors and not enough followers of Jesus. I fear that many people live out their religion through their pastors.
If the pastor is on point, then the congregation grows and some fruits are visible. However, once the pastor fails, as they will do inevitably, then so does the church follow.
We need to be less reliant on pastors and become pastors. Right where you are, is the perfect place to reach out and love others. Start right here with those that you see every day. Love and speak into the lives of our family first. As you start, God will give you more people within His body to encourage. If you are doing a great job, God may ask you to reach out to those that do not know their creator intimately.
Let’s Pray
Dear Jesus,
Thank You that You have given me the gifts and ability to be used as Your hands and feet. I desire to love and share Your compassion for others. Help me to see the opportunities to share Your love and encouragement.
In Jesus Name,
Amen