We like to be gung-ho people.
That doesn’t mean we always are, but we like to think of ourselves that way. If we see a poorly decorated cake at the bakery, we imagine how we might have improved it. A slipshod patch in the plaster? That’s not how we would have left it.
We would have done it right, because we have higher standards.
What were Jesus’ standards when he was on the earth? What was he gung-ho about? What did he feel compelled to do better than anyone else?
What special gifts did he dispense to his trusted followers and all those who would come after?
Ephesians 4:7-11 tells us of the attributes of Christ and of Jesus’ gung-ho actions to ensure they became ours.
In this passage, we learn that:
1. Unto every one of us is given grace.
2. [Jesus] led captivity captive.
3. He first descended into the lower parts of the earth.
4. He then ascended into the heavens.
5. He gave to some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors, and some teachers.
Why was this so important to Jesus? We find the answer to that in Ephesians 4:12:
“For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, [and] for the edifying of the body of Christ.”
Jesus knew this couldn’t be a slipshod patch in the plaster. He had to perform to the highest standards. Was he successful?
You bet! Mission completed!
Let’s not worry about our earthly possessions. If the car door gets dinged, it’s just a car door. An ink mark on our slacks? There’s spot cleaner for that. A smudge on the wall only needs a bit of touch-up paint. It’s the people that are important. It’s walking with Christ, giving freely to those in need, and training up others to understand the way of the gospel.
Let’s be gung-ho about Christ, for it’s our life in him that really matters.
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Code: FGO.E.18.17a.vp.kjv