Devotion:
Read Ephesians 4:14-16.
In yesterday’s passage, Paul urged all of us in the church to grow and become mature. Referring to that as he continues with today’s reading, he is saying we will then be grounded and established in sound teachings so we are not like babies in the faith, shifting from one enticing but false teaching to another. This is why good, sound, in-depth Bible study is so important. Studying together helps us to learn from one another’s backgrounds and experiences, and our study groups benefit by having facilitators or teachers who are gifted and who enjoy the hard work of preparing in advance and leading our discussions.
Christians grow individually and become more mature as we read and study the Bible, pray, worship, and use our gifts to serve others in ministry. Then all the ministries work together to become the ministry of the church. Like a body made up of many different parts, the church becomes a vibrant, living, and breathing body...the body of Jesus Christ in the world. Paul reminds us that the church builds itself up in love. Everything we do individually and as the church in the name of Christ must be faithful to Christ’s teaching to love God and to love our neighbors as ourselves.
Personal Worship Option:
Think about ministries you enjoy in the church that are done or led by others. In your time of prayer, give thanks today for their gifts and commitment to the church. Make a point to thank them personally with a phone call or when you next see them in person.
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