Responding with Gratitude - Pt. 4

 

But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. Therefore it says, “When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men.” (In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower regions, the earth? He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.) And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. (Ephesians 4:7-15 ESV).

 

Citizens of the same country have many things in common. For example, they share the same territory, language, and history. In a similar way Christians are one in Christ. We are united spiritually with the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. In terms of doctrine, we are united by the same confession: the same faith, the same hope, the same baptism. And in day-to-day life we as Christians are called to demonstrate this unity.

 

Rather than focusing on differences, which are only of minor importance, Paul lays the foundation for our unity. We have all been baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We profess the truths that Jesus lived among us, died on the cross, and rose from the dead. Our lives are led by the same Lord. As Christians, we share the same hope of living in the fullness of joy in Christ forever. As Christians, we are filled with the same Spirit, through whom we cry, “Abba, Father” (Romans 8:15-16). Let us therefore make this unity visible. When we are focused on the things that bind us together, we can live in unity and maintain the bond of peace.

 

Gratitude demands that we emphasize what we have in common through Christ rather than the differences in our family, church, and community. It is often difficult to do that. The differences seem so personal. However, these differences can be a great strength when they are used in the plan and purpose of God to bring about His will.