Practical Principles

Daily Reading:  Ephesians 4

Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 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 4.15-16)

Devotional Thought: In Ephesians 4, Paul instructs the saints how to "walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called" (v. 1), giving very practical and applicable advice in how we should live.  Verses 15 and 16 provide practical ways we can accomplish that. 

We would do well to adopt these practical principles:

• Speak the truth in love and thus grow in Christ.  Speaking the truth is good, but speaking it in love is better.  We all know people who can tell us what is right or wrong, but they are hard to listen to because they are caustic or smug.  Don’t be one of those people.  Be concerned enough to warn your sister, but be loving enough to do it with gentleness and respect.

• Be vitally connected to the Body of Christ, which is The Church.  What are those “supporting ligaments” that join and hold us together?  Here are a few things:

The Spirit who fills each of us and the gaps between us

Our common faith in the Word of God

Times of joint worship, being together in the presence of God

Our compassionate care for one another

Common participation in small study and support groups

Serving alongside one another for greater causes

• Grow and build up the Body as you combine your labors.  As we do our part in service within the Body of Christ, the church will grow.  It will grow in strength and in number.  Teachers, overseers, mentors, intercessors, helpers, preachers, givers, etc. are needed to make the church work.  We can't do everything by ourselves, but together we can get everything done!

Are you living up to the calling to which you have been called?

Prayer: Jesus, help me always to speak the truth in love, to grow more and more like Jesus, and to build up my sisters and brothers in you.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 148.7-14

7 Praise the LORD from the earth, you great sea creatures and all deeps,

8 fire and hail, snow and mist, stormy wind fulfilling his word!

9 Mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars!

10 Beasts and all livestock, creeping things and flying birds!

11 Kings of the earth and all peoples, princes and all rulers of the earth!

12 Young men and maidens together, old men and children!

13 Let them praise the name of the LORD, for his name alone is exalted; his majesty is above earth and heaven.

14 He has raised up a horn for his people, praise for all his saints, for the people of Israel who are near to him. Praise the LORD!