Growth Of The Body

From the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

Ephesians 4:16

We all have a share in the spiritual development of the Body of Christ.  As Paul is writing on the subject of spiritual maturity and the relationship between Christ, the Head and His people, the Body, he carries the analogy to where we find ourselves today.  He explains that ‘the whole body (is) joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share….’ What this means is that as surely as God has chosen us in Christ before the foundation of the world and done all the things necessary to make us members of the Body of Christ, He has prepared for us a role to play as members of that Body which will contribute to the ‘growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.’  This means that not one member of the Body of Christ is without value or purpose.  We may not always understand what our role is, or what contribution we are making.  Only eternity will reveal all the details of the effect we have had on the Body of Christ to cause this ‘growth.’  For the moment, we may look to Christ, contemplate Him and imitate Him as the Holy Spirit shows Him to us.  This will lead us to do the things which He lays before us which will contribute to the ‘growth of the body.’

Our Wise and Wonderful God,
we rejoice that You have given unto each of us
a role to play as members of Your Body.
We praise You that as we grow in grace,
we will become more able to accomplish
Your Divine Purpose for us.

Tomm Tice
Where the Bush is Burning