Living Free - May 23, 2008
Today's Scripture
”Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ. … He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.” Ephesians 4:11-13, 16 NLT
Thoughts for Today
The Church of Jesus Christ is God’s antidote to the Tower of Babel because its unity is based in the person of Christ, not in the organization of man… or is it?
Today’s scripture describes in some detail God’s plan for the church. To get all the detail, read the entire fourth chapter of Ephesians. God calls for Christ-centered unity, not man-centered. Think about your church … and churches throughout the nation. Where is our focus?
Sometimes good intentions go awry and the focus shifts from Jesus to an over-emphasis on things like attendance and giving numbers … the style of music … using the latest programs … providing cutting edge props for the message … using all the latest electronic techniques. Sometimes the ministry neglects reaching outside the church to touch the lost and hurting and focuses only on blessing … and entertaining … the congregation.
Consider this…
Consider your own church or ministry. Is it based in the person of Christ … or in the organization of man. And consider your own life. Is Jesus your first consideration in all you do? Is he the greatest influence in your life … or has the world’s influence become more important?
Prayer…
Father, help us to stay focused on Jesus in all we do—both in the church and in our personal lives. Forgive me for drifting at times into the world’s influence and neglecting yours. In Jesus’ name …
These thoughts were drawn from…
One Nation Under God: Toward Race Reconciliation by Donna Saunders, Ph.D. and Jean Leak, MS, RN. This 9-week study pursues the subject of race reconciliation. It shows that the foundational truth for the entire process is oneness in Christ. This guide discusses the barriers and shows how to make Christ visible through love in action. It also offers the way to strengthen and bond relationships.
PO Box 22127 ~ Chattanooga, Tennessee 37421 ~ 423-899-4770
© Living Free 2007. Living Free is a registered trademark. Living Free Every Day devotionals may be reproduced for personal use. When reproduced to share with others, please acknowledge the source as Living Free, Chattanooga, TN. Must have written permission to use in any format to be sold. Permission may be requested by sending e-mail to info@LivingFree.org.
