Together We Thrive

Sharing the Fullness of Christ

By Barb Finch, Bowling Green, KY, USA

Scripture Reading:

Ephesians 4:11-13. It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, 12 to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fulness of Christ.

In many ancient cultures when a king won a battle, he would share the bounty with his troops and kingdom. Thus, the king encouraged the hearts of his troops after a difficult battle and fortified his kingdom with much needed supplies. Historians are familiar with this practice, but we can find examples of this practice in our Bibles as well (1 Sam. 30:21-25). Ancient kings often bestowed gifts on their people for numerous reasons outside of war. Likewise (and in the most perfect manner), Israel’s ultimate king, the God of heaven and earth, regularly bestowed gifts and blessings on his peoples (Gen. 12:1-3, Lev. 26:3-13)

The significance for us to understand these practices today is our king, this same eternal God, is King Jesus (Luke 1:32-33). He bestows gifts and blessings on his people. The apostle Paul tells us in Ephesians 4:11-13 that God has a purpose for these amazing gifts. The divine intention of these gifts is to prepare us, God’s people, for “works of service”. These giftinitiated works of service build us up together in unity, faith and knowledge. Moreover, we then become mature in Christ, completely full in him! Notice that these blessings are not for us to keep to ourselves and hide them in our hearts. May it never be! They are to bring service both to the Church and to mankind, maturing and filling each of us in Christ. It seems that through Paul, God is teaching us that we, in faith and knowledge and maturity, become completely full in Christ. We thrive as the body of Christ! What an amazingly divine and eternal King we celebrate together.

Pondering this image of Christ’s unified, integrated body (1 Corinthians 12:12-31) is both inspiring and refreshing in today’s individualistic culture. However, putting his gifts into practice in our daily lives proves more difficult. I have noticed in my years of discipleship that recognizing our own talents and gifts is often tough to grasp. Not only that, it is likewise difficult to correctly deploy our talents in ways that benefit Christ’s church powerfully and effectively. At times we wield our talents pridefully, scarring the hearts of those around us. Other times we bury our talents deep in the sand, striving either to avoid attention to ourselves or to avoid engaging in God’s work so that we can stay within our world of comfort and familiarity. For me personally these are the battle-grounds I reside in all too regularly.

Early in my walk with God I noticed that I was able to use my strengths in communication and perception to serve the body. I was quickly “raised up” to lead different levels of Bible studies with groups as well as individuals. Nonetheless, I was far from understanding how to serve God without taking the glory for myself. I would either bask in the light of pride or quickly spiral down to the depths of insecurity and self-loathing. Both extremes seemed to me an endless cycle of “me, myself and I.” They often left a wake of broken relationships, deflated Bible studies and at times people failing to see Christ no less want to follow Christ. I needed help outside of myself to guide and teach me to use my gifts correctly without the taint of inward focus.

Thank goodness for the unimaginable, boundless strengths of God’s compassion and mercy (Romans 7:24-25). He has continually and lovingly guided me through these deep waters of pride and insecurities (while protecting those caught in the wake of my sins). His unrelenting love redirects through the caring coaching of Christians, through the study of His Word, and through prayer. I have needed courageous brothers and sisters t to tell me when I am puffed up with pride or deflated through my own self pity. One friend, with a broken heart, even told me I didn’t know how to be a friend and that she would pray for me to learn how to “need” people. It took several years and a move to New York to finally begin to grasp what she was trying to tell me. God has always been revealing to me his love and compassion; however, it seems that I am slow to recognize his ways. Without the help of others, I often fail to recognize God’s hunger for me to mature in Him through the gifts He provides.

What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church. 1 Co 14:26

Now, over 40 years later, I am enjoying the fullness of Christ in ways I’ve never imagined (thank you to the ones who have patiently helped me). I continue to learn how to give His amazing gifts to anyone that will hear. I am still being lovingly disciplined by my father (Hebrews 12:4-12) and am striving to always be learning and growing. My prayer is to truly be:

1. A woman of God that uses her talents to shine God’s amazing light on a world of unyielding darkness.

2. A woman who deeply listens to God’s discipline through His Word, others and prayer by always seeking help.

3. A woman gifted by God, helping to continually strengthen his body of believers.

4. United with others, thriving in the complete fullness of Christ.

This is the way of the Lord. What an incredible gift to be in the body of Christ!

Reflection Questions:

1. What are some gifts that God has blessed you with? How can they be refined to build up and help the church thrive?

2. Who are some of the women in your life that can either help you identify your, God given gifts or help you implement your gifts for works of service? 3. Are there sisters in your life that you can help identify their gifts and/or help them implement their gifts for works of service?

About the Author

Barbara Finch is currently serving The Bowling Green Church along side her husband, Sean, as a Shepherding Couple. She became a Christian in Louisville, KY in 1981. She worked closely with the Chemical Recovery Ministry in Louisville, KY while she also served secularly as a Sergeant in the Sheriffs Department and later a Social Worker. In 1993 she moved to New York City to train further in the Chemical Recovery Ministry. While in New York, she became happily married and adopted two wonderful children from Cambodia. She also served the Big East Super Region in The New York Church as an administrative assistant. In 2003 she and her family moved back to Louisville, KY due to an illness in the family. After serving in Louisville as a Small group and Family group leader, she and her family relocated to Bowling Green, Kentucky to help in a small church planting. She loves to dig deeply in her Bible, teaching and writing with every opportunity.