(Ephesians 4 v 11 - 13)
If we are really honest, we would admit something:
Anyone who loves God
Is on a Personal Improvement Plan (PIP).
The good thing is, God knew this would happen.
Which is why he sent the means to fix us.
Gifts, that flow through people.
Although the Father, and the Holy Spirit gave some, these gifts were sent by Jesus
So we could be equipped.
I can't wait to be equipped!!
Only do I really know what it means...
The Greek word "Equipping" implies 2 things:
A recovered wholeness ( such as when a broken bone is reset) and
A discovered function ( as when a physical member is working properly).
Recovered wholeness followed by discovered function.
In the believer's PIP, there are regular 1:1's with the physician
A continual openness to the Holy Spirit to understand what part is being worked on.
And a transparency about their life within the body
A cursory glance around the body of Christ will reveal that we are not all in "works of service"
But you can tell the ones who have really embraced the PIP
They aren't perfect, but they are coming into wholeness, and beginning to function well.