A Community Called in One Body of Christ

Today's passage deals with the spiritual attitude and way of life the apostle Paul requires of church leaders. Paul defines office in the church not as mere honour or rank but as a mission entrusted by God, and he describes the spiritual clothing that officers must put on. This means becoming like Christ in character, with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience, rather than relying on education or ability.

The sermon stresses that the church is not simply an administrative organization but a community that shares one destiny, and it says that bearing with one another, forgiving each other and adding love is the bond that ties the community together. It also points out that officers should not try to build the church by their own ideas, but should be people in whom the word of Christ dwells richly, keeping watch in the Word and in prayer. Without such faithfulness and character, however great one's ability, the church cannot be built up; it makes clear that what God looks for is not impressive achievements but faithfulness to the end.

As we think deeply about the mission and character officers must carry and the nature of the relationships a community builds together, it asks whether we can truly remain faithful by looking to God's faithfulness rather than to our own shortcomings.