Posted by
ZSOLTAROS on Thursday, August 02, 2007 2:08:31 PM
„Grace was given to each one
of us…to grow up in every way into him who is the head” (Ephesians 4,7-16).
The
subject matter of this section in Paul’s letter to the Ephesians is the most
unique characteristic describing the Body of Christ. It is the unity of the
Church. But what kind of unity are we talking about? Being individualistic as
we have “grown” to be, one might think, it must be the unity of purpose. No, it
is not. Same mindedness is not unique to the Church. Another way we often think
of the Church as if the common faith would be the glue that binds us together.
“Unity of faith” (v. 13) is actually the result, the fruit grown on the life of
the Church. The most unique characteristic of the Body of Christ is its organic
unity. Like parts in the human body, we are knit together to a glorious,
elaborate, life supporting, organic system: a Body for Christ’s presence in
this age.
Actually,
what is common in all the members, large and small, young and old, is the grace
given to each. Grace given - as needed, lavishly - “...according to the measure of Christ’s
gift”. When we come together, all recipients of this grace, our solidarity is
built around the personal experience of our deepest needs being met by Christ
Jesus. The foundation for the organic unity of the Church is grace received from
the same source and for the same purpose by all the parts.
Naturally,
this morning we are focused on the tragedy that happened yesterday near Minneapolis, Minnesota. As local, state and federal
leaders gathered for a news conference a few minutes ago, ready to take on the
enormous task of recovery, investigating, and rebuilding the collapsed bridge
and the lives of the communities around it, I was reminded of the need for unity
even in secular society. The task before those officials is to build something
temporary. If earthly goals are unreachable without unity, how could the Church
function without this sacred concord? How important it is to realize that our
unity is based on nothing else, but the grace given to each and every one of
us! Just think about it!
Let
us pray for humility to view our qualification for belonging to Christ’s Body
on the basis of His graciousness! Let us pray for the people of Minnesota, and especially for those
living in the Twin Cities area. This morning I called the office of Dr. John
Piper, pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church, and told him that they are
in the prayers of Hungarian Baptists, worldwide.