How to Properly Administer

Scripture: This grace was given to me - the least of all the saints - to proclaim to the Gentiles the incalculable riches of the Messiah, and to shed light for all about the administration of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things. Ephesians 3:8-9

Observation: Paul introduces the "mystery" of the unification of all people, specifically this idea that the Messiah now makes it possible for Gentiles to be co-heirs to all of God's promises through faith in Jesus. Having declared this, he then says he is about to shed light on the "administration" of this mystery, and promptly goes into teaching about ... the Church.

The Church is one body, where all beliers are to share their gifts with one another. They should not sin against each other - stealing or cursing or lying - and they should be kind and loving toward each other. The Church is the body of Christ, and thus must have unity even while all the members individually represent a multitude of diversities and difference is position, ethnicity, background, and ages. This unity of the Church is summarized as a new way of life, independent of whatever old life everyone experienced.

Application: This is the full summary of the Church - 'big C' - of Jesus. We are one people. In addition, we are wildly diverse. We speak different languages and worship in different ways. We have different hopes, different struggles, and different experiences. We have different skills and strengths.

I am very glad to be part of a local church that gets this ... that truly tries to reach out to the diverse community around us and engage people where they are. I hope I never end up in a different type of situation, at a local congregation that simply attends services together on Sundays and exists as a type of club. I love the work we do now, despite the occasional degree of difficulty, as I think it better aligns to the mystery of God's administration of all believers.

Prayer: Lord, as we continue into this Advent season, may I remember to be thankful for your Church, and for the church I attend. I do not take this for granted, and know it is part of your work and your plan. I seek to serve others following and through your plan. Amen.