Week 8: Ephesians 4:3-6

{Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit - just as you were called to one home when you were called - one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God the Father who is over all, and through all and in all." Ephesians 4:3-6}

Women of Grace ..this is a great one!

I know I say this every week, but seriously its like the same guy wrote this entire bible! :) The messages intertwine so wonderfully, from verse to verse and from concept to concept. Its amazing. Its like it is alive or something :)

As to context of this verse, the entire chapter is absolutely amazing. It is such a beautiful message of how to live with people in real life.

The verses that follow this passage, though are incredibly encouraging and powerful...

{"But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it." vs 7}

and vs 11.,

{It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teacher, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we reach all unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of fullness in Christ.}

How interesting that he made us all different, gracing us in different ways to different degrees so that we may reach all unity!

I cannot help but remember the verse in 1 Peter 4:10 ..."Each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms."

I think that when we think about what God has given us, and what tasks he has for us to do we are tempted to keep the focus on us. We consider how our service affects us, our relationship with God ..as if it is just between us and him. 

If we truly consider what grace is,  a power inside of you that undeservingly blesses you ..not for your own benefit but for the benefit of the kingdom, we will realize that our what we do is not for ourselves or even our one on one relationship with God. 

Its about bringing out about unity for the sake of the kingdom. Not to say that our relationship with God is not important, of course it is ...but when we are given a blessed gift (to be a teacher, prophet or pastor) its not only for the good of your interaction with him. 

He blesses us with grace and abundance so that we are able to bless His kingdom. We are given what we need to be part of that unity of Spirit...to be able to mingle with people who are so different than we are. To be able to minister along side someone our polar opposite. 

We, the stay at home moms, get to be on the same team with the drug abuse counselor in the shelter downtown, or the missionary in Nicaragua. We get to work beside the men who minister to hardened criminals, and the women who hold a women's hand when she is birthing a new baby. We share the same spirit with the women who fosters children who need a home, and the mother who gives her child up so that she can get control of her drug addiction. 

We share one Spirit, one hope, one faith, one God. Our God is in all, through all and over all. 

Over all of us, no matter what our circumstances, strengths or weaknesses. None of us are greater than the other, because we are all under one Head. 

What a wonderful reminder to remember where we stand, who we are and whose we are...

If you are interested in a study of grace, hope, faith and peace, we would love to have you! You are never behind, each week is a new scripture! ..and each one is such a blessing! ..see the sidebar for all the info you need! :)

Blessed to be linked to: Women Living Well Wednesday and Ifellowship at Seeds of Faith for Women