When someone mentions "church," what images come to your mind?
When Jesus thinks about His church, what do you think He's thinking of?
But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ... fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit. (Ephesians 2:13, 18-22 ESV)
Bricks, fixtures and embellishments are not what Jesus thinks about in regard to His church. The place where we meet to worship the Lord together is not His church. It is merely a building set apart for His use.
The church is comprised of people. What kind of people? Citizens, saints, members of the household of God.
How is this, the true church of Jesus Christ, built? Its foundation is the apostles and prophets. In other words, the church is built upon the testimony and faith and grace of God in the lives of those who have gone before.
Who holds it together? Jesus, the cornerstone.
The whole structure of the church is built of believers who have become "a dwelling place for God by the Spirit." In other words, the church is made up of blood-bought, sanctified believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. Each member of the church, the body of Christ, has been given certain gifts by the Holy Spirit who lives within us (see Romans 12:6-8; 1 Co. 12:4-11&28).
For what purpose are these gifts given? Ultimately, for the glory of God and also to continue to build the body of Christ (see Ephesians 4:12-15).
Do you know what your spiritual gifts are and where you fit in building up the body of Christ?
If not, ask the Lord to show you what gifts He has equipped you with for His glory and for the building up of His church. There are some helpful quizzes available such as the one offered at SpiritualGiftsTest.com to help you see where your gifts lie, but they are merely a guide. Always seek God's direction in all things.
The point of knowing what your spiritual gifts are is to allow God to use you in those areas to build up the body of Christ and bring glory to His Name.
In other words, we're supposed to be church builders.
What does that look like? It looks a lot like being there for each other, sharing God's Word together, encouraging one another and loving one another just as God loves us.
Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
Think about what you can do to encourage another believer in Christ today.
Are you a church builder?
Father, thank You for giving Your Son for our salvation. Thank You for the privilege we have of being called your children and members of the body of Christ. Help realize the gifts You have given us by Your Spirit and help us to allow You to use them for the building of the church and for Your glory. In Jesus' Name, amen.
{Daily Selah} is a mini-devotional, a pause to ponder about the Lord and how He wants us to live
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