Something Larger Than Ourselves

To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, according to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Ephesians 3:10-11

It is important for us to be a part of something that is larger than ourselves.  Marriage and family, involvement in community, national service, and international aid are all examples of things of which we can become a part which widen the contribution we make as members of humanity.  As we look at our text for today, we consider this idea in terms of our relationship to Christ as members of His Church.  Paul states that the church is the vehicle of making known ‘the manifold wisdom of God…to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places.’  This means that by our being in Christ and by our proclaiming ‘the unsearchable riches of Christ’ as well as being, ‘fellowheirs of the same body and partakers of His promise in Christ,’ we have become part of something much larger than ourselves.  It means that we matter and that our lives matter.  God has redeemed us, made us part of the body of Christ, and enabled us to make much of Christ with cosmic effect.   He uses it and us to make known His manifold wisdom.  It is good for us to know and understand this.  It lifts us up in our minds and hearts from thinking that who we are and what we do is of little importance.  It matters to God.

Our Glorious Sovereign God,
we rejoice that You have made us
part of something that is much larger than ourselves.
We praise You that You are enabling us daily
to make a contribution toward the advancement of
Your Kingdom and Your Greater Glory.

Tomm Tice
Where the Bush is Burning