November 20
Building
Others Up
Ephesians 4:11-12
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.
Daily Steps
The Great Commission (Day 325) is achieved through a specific structure within The Church. This passage reveals the purpose of spiritual leadership: Christ has gifted the Church with leaders (apostles, prophets, etc.) to equip his people—that is, every believer—for the actual work of ministry, so that the entire body of Christ may be built up.
The peace in this principle is found in purposeful equipping:
Gifts of Leadership: Christ's ongoing perfect leadership (Day 322) is seen in the specific leaders He gives the Church. Their titles (pastors, teachers, etc.) represent roles that are designed to guide and mature the community (The Ultimate Presence, Day 212).
The Goal of Equipping: The role of these leaders is not to do all the ministry themselves, but to equip his people for works of service. This confirms that every believer is expected to engage in service (Day 282) and use their spiritual gifts (Day 318). The Church is built up when all its members are active.
The Result is Growth: The ultimate aim is that the body of Christ may be built up. This means the Church grows in number, in spiritual maturity, and in unity (Day 323). When we are well-equipped and actively serving, we move toward the fullness of God (Day 321) as a community.
Your peace is secured by purposeful equipping. Embrace The Mandate for Discipleship today by seeing yourself as one of Christ's equipped people. Commit to using the resources and teaching provided by your Church leadership to prepare yourself for greater works of service that build up others.
Reflective Question
In what area of your Christian life do you feel un-equipped right now (e.g., sharing your faith, understanding the Word, resisting a temptation)? How can you approach one of your Church leaders or teachers this week and ask them to help equip you in that specific area?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I confess my tendency to rely on the leadership to do the work of the ministry. I thank You for the leaders You have given to equip Your people for works of service. I pray for the diligence and humility to be trained, so that I may be used to build up the body of Christ. Secure my peace today in this purposeful equipping, and help me to be an active part of the Mandate for Discipleship. Amen.
