Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of
him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by
every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
Ephesians 4:15-16
Spiritual maturity is vital in the Christian life. In the same way our relationships grow with our
family, spouses, and friends when we spend time with them, we have the same opportunity
with Jesus. The amount of time we spend with Jesus affects the depth of our relationship with
Him.
In John 15:1-11, Jesus shares the incredible teaching of abiding with Him. Jesus says He is the
Vine, and we must remain in Him. The key to growing in God is staying connected to the Vine.
It's so easy to be busy for Jesus and lose our connection with Him. Staying connected to the
Vine is crucial in our Christian life. As we grow in Jesus, we are told that we will produce fruit
that will last. What fruit is being produced in you?
Earlier on in Ephesians 4, we read very well-known verses in 11-12, "So Christ himself gave the
apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors, and teachers, to equip his people for
works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up." We are all called to works of
service and works of ministry.
The word equipped can be defined as "supply with the necessary items for a particular
purpose." The Bible says that the role of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers
is to equip (supply) the Church (with the necessary items required for a particular purpose) for
works of service or ministry.
Be encouraged that as you grow in God, you will produce fruit. As you are equipped while
sitting under the ministry of the five-fold gifts in the Church, you will be given the necessary
items required for the works of ministry.
Jesus wants you to be connected to Him, the Vine. He wants you to grow and to bear fruit and
fruit which shall last. Jesus wants you to go and be His hands and feet, ministering to those in
need. Jesus has chosen you and appointed you!
Remember, James 2:17 says, "In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by
action, is dead."
To go, ultimately, requires that we grow in our relationship with the Lord and be dedicated to
serving Him, asking the Holy Spirit to lead us and guide us to those around us who are in need
and be ready for all that God has for us to do!
In 2 Tim 4:1-5, Paul charges his spiritual son Timothy by saying, 'Keep your head in all
situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your
ministry.'
Today we must be ready to be used by God in every aspect wherever we go!
