Be the part...Play your Part

Remember Mousetrap? Did you play it properly or just set up the trap and watch it go? Either way, you'll know that if one little piece of that game disappeared under the sofa, got eaten by the dog or was hidden by a cruel and vindictive older brother, the game was ruined and unplayable. To work properly, you needed every piece play it's part.

In Ephesians 4 Paul recognises that too - he urges every member of the Church to recognise their place as a member of the "body of Christ" and to play their part. This isn't about pretending - this is about a concerted effort and commitment to the Church to help it function properly.

Christians are all gifted people. Not in an X-Factor-this-is-all-I've-ever-wanted way, but because by that amazing grace that Paul tells us about in chapter 2 the ascended Jesus, who defeated Satan, sin and death, gives us gifts (4:8). Those gifts are given to equip us not so we can rest on our laurels, or celebrate our own achievements, but "so that the body of Christ may be built up".

The purpose of that building up? You've guessed it - unity and maturity (v13). Unity in the faith, and in our knowledge of the Son of God. Recurring pleas from Paul to the early Church, and recurring pleas from Paul to the Church today. What do we have in common with Christians from nearly 2000 years ago? Just like them, we're entirely dependent on Jesus - he took our debts (sin) and we're credited with his righteousness. Just like them, the gifts that the Church needs to stay united come exclusively from and through him.

Paul wants us to grow up, not to remain childlike (or childish). That takes effort - each part has to do its work (v16), but we've been given gifts and an instruction manual - the Bible - to help us grow. We've also been given each other. We don't have to go it alone. Our gifts are given in the context of the Church, to serve in the context of a Church, so we can grow in the context of a Church. If we're not growing - why? Are we trying to fly solo and squandering our gifts?

Not sure what your gifts are? Find a wise Christian - talk and pray with them. Study the Bible with them - listen, understand and apply God's word. Don't be bogged down with indecision and procrastination. Don't compare yourself with others and wish you could do what they do. Roll up your sleeves, and get serving. Be the part, and play your part.