The Place to Be #16

 

Ephesians 4:15 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.

Paul has been painting this picture for us of the plan God has for us in Christ. Inseparable from this plan is the place of the Church, Christ's building and body, being carefully put together to serve Him.  At the beginning of this chapter Paul made a plea for the Ephesians (and us) to do all we can to maintain the unity and integrity of this building and body, and not let it be torn down or ripped apart. He now brings things to a critical point: since God's plan is for us all to grow up into Christ, and the church is the means by which He does so, the loving thing to do - toward Christ and one another - is follow His plan, speak the truth, help each other grow, and contribute to the strength of the building and health of the body - each and every part.  Love is only love if it helps the other grow in Christlikeness and glorify God.