Ephesians 4:11-13“And He gave some, apostles, and some, prophets, and some, evangelists, and some, pastors and teachers;
For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.”

The Lord has emphasized recently the importance of “growing up” in Him. God has no orphans but desires to bring all His sons to maturity: “…unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.” This is our goal, our divine destiny and birthright in the fullness of God.

The little poem about the farmyard duck happily dabbling in the farmyard muck, is a poignant reminder of “second best, or unfulfilled destiny.” When the farmyard duck saw his relatives, the wild ducks, soaring high overhead in the blue sky:
“He cocked a wary and puzzled eye.
He was fairly content with the state he was in,
But he was not the duck he might have been!!”

Dear Lord, please deliver us from accepting “second best” in an unfulfilled destiny. God has called us to something far greater than “dabbling around the farmyard.” We were born to fly, to soar on “eagle’s wings.”

I can be satisfied in being a child, but what a tragedy if the child never matures and grows up! The goal of the 5-fold ministry quoted above, (Ephesians 4:11-13) has an “until” in verse 13, bringing many sons/daughters to maturity that they should no longer be seen, but lose their identity in the Body of Christ, that only He, the Lord Jesus Christ should be seen, in all of us. Paul demonstrated this, Ephesians 2:20, he recognised the Lord Jesus Christ living His life through him – “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me.”

In maturity a son has to become a faithful steward in responsibility. Am I a faithful steward of the gifts, talents and blessings the Lord has given me? We are ambassadors for the Lord Jesus here on this earth. If I do not “get on the bus” when God given opportunities arise, I will be disappointed and unfulfilled in God and someone else will fill the vacant seat “on the bus” to fulfill God’s plans.

The book of Judges, chapter 6, gives the account of God calling Gideon to lead an army against the Midianites. Gideon felt he was totally unqualified for the job, but the angel of the Lord brought God’s word to him, “The Lord is with you, you mighty man of valour,” Judges 6:12.

GOD’S WORD DOES NOT DESCRIBE ME, IT CREATES ME! God’s word is creative. Whom God calls, He equips!…..all for HIS glory!

It is time to stop paddling on the shore in the known safety of our comfort zones and abandon ourselves to swimming in the depths of God’s mighty ocean. As we learn to trust Him more, we will prove Him in all the impossibilities of life. He is the God of the impossible!

Finally, God is looking for the hallmark of His beloved Son in us:

John 13:35 Jesus said, “By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love one to another.” A tree is known by it’s fruit…..selah.