⁷ But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. ⁸ Therefore it says,

⁹ (In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower regions, the earth? ¹⁰ He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.) ¹¹ And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, ¹² to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, ¹³ until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, ¹⁴ so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. ¹⁵ Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, ¹⁶ from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.

Ephesians 4:7-16 ESV

With a bowed head, and a humble heart we come before God, receiving the gifts of His glory, and for His glory. It is the humble man who remembers that the gift was given, not deserved nor earned. He has received, not because of merit, skill, or any other accolade, but because the Gift-Giver has deemed it to be so. And because he is simply an unworthy servant, he receives the gift and, with all humility, puts it to work for the One who gave it to him. The gift reveals purpose, love, intent, and desire from the LORD who gave it. It speaks to His will over the servant, and reveals His desire for the one whom He gifted. There is command and authority behind the gift, a directive and an expectation for its use. 

As we look to Ephesians 4:7-16, we see these gifts that are meant for equipping others for their work. They press toward unity in Him, toward maturity, growth, and stability. There is wisdom that comes from them for discerning the times, and an attitude of love that is others-focused and mission-minded.

In all these gifts, the focus is never on the one who received it, they are simply a servant doing their appointed task (Luke 17:10) and a vessel for the intent of the Gift-Giver’s faithfulness and love for those who would receive the benefits of that service. There is no space given here for the promotion of the name of the servant. There is no  accommodation for branding that lifts them up above their task. There is no promise of notoriety, fame, or recognition. As servants, we serve. As servants, we honor our Master. As servants, we complete the tasks given to us, not in some dolorous, joyless manner, but in the fullness of joy that is experienced when we are lifted up from death to life. The service rendered is given out of raw thanksgiving, love and from a desire to obey the One who saved us. 

These gifts are meant to bring life, light, and certainty. They stand in opposition to sin, to human cleverness, and that pride-based teaching that honors the flesh. And so we speak the truth in love, growing in Christ Jesus, serving as He served, giving glory to God, and seeking His good for those around us. 

As we in the west watch the church in Afghanistan suffer, running for the safety of the cold mountains, we must awaken to our task as servants where we are today. The slumber of complacency needs to be wiped from our eyes, and the shackles of consumerism must fall from our wrists, neck and ankles. The satanic influence of secular culture, what rights we think are due us, and the petty squabbling of divisions must come to an end. We have been reconciled, one to the other, by the work of Christ. Rather than joining the chorus of “what ought to be mine” and “why my opinion matters most,” we should be singing the songs of faith that point us back to Christ, putting our hearts and hands to work together with our eyes set on His glory as we serve each other with these precious gifts. 

It is not a hallmark of maturity to argue online, but to put your hand to the plow and to serve as you have been commanded. May our hearts be broken by how easily the enemy has divided and distracted us from using these gifts and blessing one another. Those lies of consumerism, tribalism, nationalism and the fear-that-leads-to-hate have done their damage, and only the Gospel of Jesus Christ will redeem us from our fall. May the reality of suffering for His Name draw our hearts to His call to serve, and may repentance and conviction lead us back to unity, service, humility and love. May we remember our brothers and sisters who suffer much for His Name’s sake, and may we return to the simple call to serve in love as we have been served by His love. May we attain to unity, maturity, and into Him whose very being holds this whole body together. May our Master’s patience with us hold steady, and may His hand of correction and discipline restore us to this work in His love.