Consumers vs. Contributors
Works of Service – Part 2

Scripture Reading: Ephesians 4:11-16

Key Verse: Ephesians 4:12

…to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up

As we continue from yesterday’s devotional, we see the goal of contributing.  Look at the progressive nature of God’s kingdom: God gives to His church leaders (pastors, teachers, apostles, prophets, and evangelists).  In order to help the people, these leaders serve to be contributors.  In other words, the leader’s goal is to prepare people to serve other people.  Put all this together and it produces a “unity in the faith” and a “mature” church (Ephesians 4:13).

The opposite happens when consumerism wins out over being a contributor.  Consumers start causing disunity among God’s people.  Why?  They never mature in their faith.  God’s process brings about unity and maturity.  The world’s process of consumerism brings about selfishness and bickering for more!  It is critical for the success of God’s kingdom that every believer grows into what God intended for them to be: contributors!  Some will contribute by obeying God’s call in their life to be leaders—trainers in the harvest field!  Some will contribute by obeying God’s call in their life—via the leader’s training—to serve in various aspects of kingdom building!  All have received a gift from God that enables them to fulfill their calling.  It is up to us to respond.  It is up to us whether we live as consumers or contributors!

Father, please correct me—even rebuke me—if I head down the path of being a consumer!  I want to be a contributor!  In Jesus’ name, amen.