Surviving and Thriving / ODB

 

Surviving and Thriving The whole body . . . grows and builds itself up in love. Ephesians 4:16 READ Ephesians 4:4–16 The Croods, an animated caveman family, believe that “the only way to survive is if the pack [their small family] stays together.” They’re afraid of the world and others, so when looking for a safe place to live they’re filled with fear after discovering a strange family already in the area they’ve chosen. But they soon learn to embrace the differences of their new neighbors, draw strength from them, and survive together. They find that they actually enjoy them and that they do need others to live life fully. It can be risky to be in relationship—people can and do hurt us. Yet it’s for good reason God put His people together in a body, the church. In fellowship with others, we grow to maturity (Ephesians 4:13). We learn to depend on Him to help us be “humble and gentle” and “patient” (v. 2). We help each other by building each other up “in love” (v. 16). When we gather together, we use our gifts and learn from others who use theirs, which in turn equips us in our walk with God and service for Him. As He leads you, look for your place among God’s people if you haven’t found it yet. You’ll do more than survive; in shared love you’ll bring honor to God and grow to be more like Jesus. And may we all depend on Him as we walk through a growing relationship with Jesus and others. By Anne Cetas Who are you walking through life with? How might you more deeply develop those relationships? I love being a part of Your family, God. Help me fill my place well so that I might grow and help others to know You better. Learn about how you relate to others.

SCRIPTURE INSIGHT In Ephesians 4:11–16, the apostle Paul defined the pattern for the life of the church. God has given gifted leaders to the church—not for the purpose of doing the work of ministry, but for the purpose of equipping the people so that they can do the work of the ministry. Notice verses 11–12: “So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.” This is a different approach from what we often see in our churches today. Bill Crowder