But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. 11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, (ESV)

Have you ever felt completely ill-equipped for a job? When I was younger, I was put in charge of planning and hosting a baby shower for one of the wives in my husband’s Air Force squadron — and I had never even been to a baby shower before. I was newly married, had no children (didn’t even really like them at the time), was not a real girlie-girl, worked with a bunch of men, and now, I was supposed to host a shower for one of their expecting wives…

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I was in so far over my head…So, I did what I knew how to do — I threw a party. I included the guys, we watched football, and opened baby gifts as a whole group. Needless to say, it was not your typical baby shower, but it was really fun. The other wives chipped in to bring food, decorations, and even a few baby shower games. As a group, we were able to honor the parents to be and give them some really cool gifts for their upcoming adventure.

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In yesterday’s devo, we saw how Paul moved to talking about our individual identity in Christ to our identity as the Church — together with our individual talents and gifts, we make up a “team” that is out there for the glory of God. While my illustration feels kind of silly now, at the time it was critical to how I moved forward in that team of wives. You see, I saw my identity as “an Air Force officer” NOT as an “Air Force officer’s wife” (with all the stereotypes that you hear about). I was adamant about that with my new Air Force officer husband. He said something that I will never forget, “Ok, that’s fine. But there are some really amazing women in this group, and it would be a shame if you missed out on their friendship because you’re ‘an officer.’”

Now, as a follower of Jesus, I sometimes find myself running into the same mindset. I’m not “that kind of Christian.” I have in the past walled myself off from those I felt were “too Christiany” or “too religious.” You see, my identity was not in how Christ saw me or what he called me, but it was in how others saw me and what they called me.

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In this mindset, I not only hurt myself, but I hurt others. I was judging others and closing myself off from the community we are called to be. I was so worried about proving myself or being “cool” or “in” that I missed the whole point: grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift (v. 7). I had nothing to prove because on my own I couldn’t anyway. The things that Jesus called me to, the purpose he had for me — was not within my grasp. Without the gift of Christ’s grace, I was nothing anyway — and I was on my own — without community to help with the jobs I felt ill-equipped to do.

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Because in the end, the grace of Jesus wasn’t given for just my benefit — it was given to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ. His grace is given so that we can bring more people into this community, joining together until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.

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When we firmly place our identity in Christ, both individually and within his body, we don’t have to struggle and strive to be enough. Just like as a young wife I had a community that was willing to come around me to help and guide me, we have that now as believers following Jesus. We have a role and unique purpose within that body, and it is for the benefit of the whole body.  

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Where can you use your purpose in Christ for the benefit of the body? Where have you been walling yourself off from community because you are not secure in your identity? Pray about joining a group or a serve team and see how you can mature in the fullness of Christ.

Father, thank you that you don’t expect us to do this life alone. That when you call us to something, you equip us for it — whether individually or in community — our purpose is for the body of Christ. Help us to look for and find opportunities to lean into the full measure of your son Jesus. It’s in his name we pray ~ AMEN!