January 20, 2025 Daily Dose of Discernment

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. (Ephesians 4:11-12)

The human body is a common metaphor for the Church. Paul uses it and its different parts to emphasize that although they have different functions, their common purpose is for the good of the body as each fulfilss their role. He says church leaders are to train their people to equip them to do the work of service. Parishioners should not see tithes and offerings as payment so that the pastor and his staff do all the work, and they don’t have to do anything. It is all the saints who do ministry.

Work should be seen the way God intended it - for fulfillment, not to be a burden. We were built to serve, to cultuvate and to keep. We should understand that fullness of life consists in that divine design.