But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.   Ephesians 4:7

The proceeding verses tell us in what manner we are to walk but in verse seven Paul begins to tell us about the gifts that are given to each Christian.  There are two general types of gifts mentioned in this verse.  One is the foundational gift of God, which is the gift of the indwelling of Jesus Christ within us, our gift of Salvation.  The second gift mentioned here is the “grace gift” or the special ability for service given to each Christian, whether Jew or Gentile, young or old, as Christians we are all given at least one grace gift and we are expected to exercise our gift(s) for the edification of the body of Christ.  As a body has many members, each member has a purpose and function.  So too we, as members of the body of Christ all have our purpose for edification, not the tearing down and working against each other.

An interesting note for us as parents, Paul makes it clear that EVERYONE, this includes children are given grace gifts. As such, it is our responsibility as parents to help our children discover their grace gift and to teach them how to use these to edify the body of Christ, yes, even as children. 

“Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive and gave gifts unto men. (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?  He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)”

 In verses 8-10 Paul quotes from Psalm 68 to explain what is he means when he says, “according to the measure of Christ”.  Paul is explaining that it is the power that works in us (Ephesians 3:20) that enables us to serve the body with the grace gift(s) given to each of us.  Take the time to go back and read Psalm 68 and see the power of God that works in us.  The grace gifts are not only for the outgoing, the polished tongue or those with an electrifying personality, but God, knowing full well who we are and our self-perceived  shortcomings and limitations has given each of us grace gifts and He has given us HIS power to exercise them.

I find myself for the most part to be more of an introvert, the guy who would rather sit at home than go to a party.  I’m the guy who gets weepy eyed and emotional, the guy who’s not good at public speaking, yet God know who I am and has given me the power to exercise the specific grace gift He has entrusted to me.  The question for me is am I willing to step out of the boat and take God at His word?  Are you?

We know that every part of the body is needful.  And contrary to the evolutionists, there is no such thing as a vestigial organ (a body part having lost all or most of its original function).  Every part of the body was designed by God and has a purpose.  And so it is with the body of Christ, we all are designed by God and have a grace gift that is needful to the body.  He made no mistake when He “issued” you your grace gift.  God has a purpose for each and everyone of us in the body of Christ.  The question for you and me is are we willing to actively learn, understand, develop and use our grace gift(s) that God has designed and purposefully given us for the edification and full function of the body of Christ?

There are no vestigial Christians; we are only limited by our power source, and what a power source He is.

 

(Thoughts, comments and insights are always welcomed to any post.)