May 15, 2024 Daily Dose of Discernment

He gave apostles, prophets, evangelists, 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)

To describe the Church, Paul uses the metaphor of the human body with its different parts, each having their own purpose. When each carries out their function, it benefits the whole. He says church leaders are to train the people so that the people can do the work of service. It’s wrong to think that by giving tithes and offerings, the people are paying the pastor and his staff to do all the work, and they don’t have to do anything. No, ministry is the work of all the people.

God designed work to give us fulfillment, not a burden. If we understand this and are faithful to our vocation, the joy of the Lord will be in us. As the Lord called us, in this manner let us live.