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 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
Ephesians 4:11-13 NIV
In this passage, we can understand that possessing spiritual gifts is not necessarily because of our desires. Likewise, it is not something that can be earned. Instead, it is entirely based on Christ’s sovereign will. We understand that the distribution of spiritual gifts is under Christ Jesus’ control, according to His purpose and plan. These gifts come in various forms, just as the human body has many different members.
Therefore, we must understand that Christ’s giving of these gifts is purposeful and intentional. Just as the body functions harmoniously with its diverse parts, each with its unique role, so do the members of the body of Christ, the Church, work together with their spiritual gifts. As stated in Ephesians 2:20, God is building the body of Christ, and He will complete what He has started. We can trust in God’s faithfulness to fulfil His plans.
We receive these gifts not to exalt ourselves but to serve others and build up the body of Christ. As believers, we are called to use our gifts in love, humility, and unity. We are to recognise that no gift is more important than the other. Each gift serves a purpose in God’s kingdom and is essential for its proper functioning.
So, as we rely on Christ’s sovereignty in distributing these gifts, we can appreciate the beauty and diversity within the body of Christ. Each member contributes uniquely, and together, we can fulfil God’s purposes on earth. In the same way, we advance His kingdom and bring glory to His name. Therefore, let us humbly seek to use our spiritual gifts for the common good. Let us strive to build up one another and manifest the love of Christ to the world.
His intention was the perfecting and the full equipping of the saints (His consecrated people), [that they should do] the work of ministering toward building up Christ’s body (the church), [That it might develop] until we all attain oneness in the faith and in the comprehension of the [full and accurate] knowledge of the Son of God, that [we might arrive] at really mature manhood (the completeness of personality which is nothing less than the standard height of Christ’s own perfection), the measure of the stature of the fullness of the Christ and the completeness found in Him.
Ephesians 4:12-13 AMPC
Likewise, in our journey of faith, it is crucial to keep in mind that our standard of growth is Christ’s perfection. Our calling is to attain His fullness, not to compare ourselves to others and become complacent.
Therefore, let us embrace the spiritual gifts given to us, knowing that they are according to God’s sovereign will. Let us strive towards the goal of Christ’s perfection, relying on His faithfulness to complete the work He has begun in us.
