By Shirley Rosemarie Evans
There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.
Ephesians 4:4-7 NIV
Ephesians 4:4-6 is a shout-out to the “oneness” or unity that defines who we are in the body of Christ. What an awesome picture of the complete meshing together of believers everywhere, sharing a bond through and by the spirit bringing us into one family or body in Christ Jesus. No other religion, group, or organisation on the planet, can claim to have this bond. Yet this is Christ’s declaration for believers everywhere. We are one! We have “one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God.” Christ living in us gives us oneness of purpose and oneness of mission that CEOs worldwide can only dream of.
In verse 7 however, Paul moves from speaking about oneness to talking about uniqueness. Having unity or oneness doesn’t mean we are uniform rather it is about bringing together individuals uniquely gifted by Christ for the building up of His body. Our spiritual gifts are different, given in different amounts to individuals as a manifestation of the Grace of God - this difference and giving is what is meant by apportioned.
We can think of it as a building constructed of bricks. Individually the bricks are nothing to write home about but when they are skilfully put together, they create a building to be admired. As in the construction of a building different trades are needed, so different gifts are required for the building of the kingdom. Also like any excellent building project it requires an architect, a firm foundation and a sound structure:
1. The Architect: Christ
The word of God instructs us “Unless the Lord builds a house the work of the builders is wasted.” (Psalms 127:1). Christ not only distributes the gifts as He sees fit, He also is the one who has designed the Body known as the Church. He is the superb architect - He is the author and finisher of our faith who alone has the blueprint for success. We follow His lead and build according to His decrees and mandates.
2. The Foundation: Grace and Humility
A sturdy foundation is crucial for any building. Grace and humility are the core of any sturdy construction of His Body, as they reflect the character of Christ – the church’s one foundation. No building can be complete without the architect, the labourer and the bricklayer crucial in developing the foundation. Their work brings together all the unique gifts in the body that contribute to the building. Humility is key in this task to accompany grace in allowing us to learn from each other, accept guidance, and celebrate as individuals flourish in their faith.
3. The Structure: Diverse Gifts
Imagine a wall built entirely by plumbers. It wouldn't stand for long! The carpenter's skill with wood complements the electrician's understanding of circuits and the mason's expertise in bricklaying works in tandem with the plumber's knowledge of water flow. Each unique skill contributes to the success of the whole. So, Christ has placed a variety of ministries and gifts in the body to ensure that which is built is fit for purpose.
Remember, just as God has graciously bestowed unique gifts upon each of us, He desires us to use them with unity and love building something far greater than ourselves. Let us approach our kingdom assignment with a humility of heart owning that our gifts are apportioned to us by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Ask: Why does Christ apportion different gifts to each individual?
Seek: Do you know what your unique gifts are and how are you using them to build the body?
Knock: God I give you thanks for saving me by your grace and making me a part of your family unique in all the earth. I thank you for the unique gifts that you have graciously given to me, help me to use them in all humility and love as part of the greatest building project on the earth building your kingdom, so that others too can become part of this family. In Jesus Name. Amen.
(Upper Photo by Daniel McCullough on Unsplash)
(Inner Photo by Sven Mieke on Unsplash)
