things that matter

Ephesians 4

I realized this morning that my mind is often focused on things that don't really matter in eternity.  I think these are some very important truths, things that do matter for eternity:

¹¹ Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. ¹² Their responsibility is to equip God's people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. ¹³ This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God's Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.

 ¹⁴ Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won't be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. ¹⁵ Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. ¹⁶ He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.

... ²¹ Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, ²² throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. ²³ Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. ²⁴ Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.

Corporate and individual (though they are inextricable).  Unity with the Body, and unity with Christ.  Loving people, and loving God.  These are practical objectives/metrics for the Church.  Are we making disciples of Christ; am I living like a disciple of Christ? 

A disciple of Christ is a disciple-maker.

Heavenly Father, I love you.  Thank you for your grace and mercy through Jesus Christ.  Holy Spirit, please empower me with inner strength today.  I want to be focused on the eternal things; I want to be focused on you.  Please help me love you and love people through my work.  I'm feeling a disconnect these days; please renew my understanding/vision of what my ministry is here so that I can express you for others to find you and walk with you.  Show me how to be a disciple maker and unity promoter here.  I love you, and I pray in the name of Jesus Christ.