God’s Design for Community 40 Day Lenten Devotional— Day #1

You’ve Been Gifted!!!
Ephesians 4:7-11 (ESV)

“But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. Therefore it says, “When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men.” (In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower regions, the earth? He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.) And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers,”

In biblical antiquity, when armies invaded neighboring city-states and conquered them, they took the spoils and prisoners of war to their king as gifts! The king would then turn around and he would share these gifts with his citizens to better their lives.

Well according to the Apostle Paul in Ephesians 4:7-11, Jesus Christ, our conquering king after conquering sin, death and Satan has gifted every member of the body of Christ with divine gifts that in the end if utilized for his glory will result in a better and healthier church. You’ve been gifted by Christ based on grace and not out of necessity nor on the basis of merit. You’ve been gifted to partner with Christ to fill all things and reconcile all things back to God. You’ve also been gifted to build up the body of Christ! Friends, you’ve been gifted to make a name for Christ and not a name for yourself. Use your gifting for the glory of God!

Lord, thank you for gifting me with the various gifts that are a result of your grace. Help me to use them win others to Christ, build up the body of Christ and glorify your name, in the name of Jesus, Amen!