Today’s Scripture: Ephesians 4:25, NKJV- “Therefore, putting away lying, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,” for we are members of one another.”
In Step One and Lesson One, Celebrate Recovery references Ephesians 4:25 to remind us that we are members of the same body. It warns us that our denials can alienate us from one another.
Paul warns us in Ephesians 4:17 to not look at the futility of this world. How do we disconnect from the world that is our world? Our perspectives must change. I do not really understand Ephesians 4:8-10 but I can understand that Jesus changed His point of view. I am not saying He changed His mind but only that we are told He ascended higher than all the heavens in order to fill the whole universe.
Our hearts and minds must also rise to join Jesus in the heavens. As we look toward Jesus, our eyes are removed from the madness of worldly living. When we look to Jesus, we begin to recognize the gifts that Ephesians 4:11-12 assures “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.” (NIV)
We have been gifted and equipped to build others up. We must have a spiritual confidence that we are who Jesus Himself has equipped us to be. Even if we cannot see it or believe it in the moment, we are maturing into the whole measure of the fullness of Christ as Paul wrote in Ephesians 4:13.
We may get distracted by the futile efforts of this world, but we can, in an instant, ascend our eyes, hearts, minds, and spirits towards heaven. The more often we learn to change our perspective the more mature we become in rising above the deceitful scheming of this world as Paul refers to in Ephesians 4:14.
Paul teaches us that we mature in our faiths as we speak the truth in love. What is your truth? How has Jesus gifted and equipped you? What frees You from the futility of this world that can help others? Ephesians 4:16 promises that “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.” (NLT)
You and I are made to fit perfectly into the body of Christ. We support each other in ways we may never know. We must only be honest, confident in God’s love for us, and looking towards how our gifts and love may serve other members of Christ’s body.
Jesus Himself has equipped you and me. We may still be learning how to live our part but looking towards Jesus, above the heavens, we begin to see how to live Ephesians 4:22 to “throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.”
Let us change our viewpoint and look to the Spirit of God so we live our new self that is more like Jesus. We must trust that we can do something useful to share with those in need as Paul promises in Ephesians 4:28. Someone in the body needs us to live out Ephesians 4:32 today, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” (NIV)
Today’s Prayer: Thank You Jesus from filling us from Heaven. Thank You Lord for gifting us and equipping us to serve You and Your body. Please draw our eyes, hearts, minds, and spirits towards You so we my become more Christlike and help other members of Your body. Please use our hands and hearts to serve others. In the name of Jesus Christ we do pray. Amen.
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