May 29, 2025

Joel Hernandez
But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. This is why it says: “When he ascended on high, he took many captives and gave gifts to his people.” What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions? He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe. So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
Ephesians 4:7-13

There’s something grounding about knowing that Christ gave each of us a unique portion of grace. It means that what I’ve been given wasn’t random or earned—it was chosen and entrusted. The same is true for every person in the body of Christ. No one is left out. No one is overlooked.

I need that reminder. It’s easy to celebrate certain gifts while quietly questioning the value of others. But Paul won’t let us do that here. The whole point of these gifts, whether visible or behind the scenes, is that they’re meant to bring us together—not for competition or hierarchy but for unity, maturity, and Christlikeness.

This passage reframes spiritual growth for me. It’s not just about getting stronger in isolation but about growing together. My maturity is tied to yours. Your growth strengthens mine. And Christ is the one doing the building.

So today, take a moment to ask: How am I using what Christ gave me to help the body grow? Where am I contributing to unity? And just as importantly, am I letting others pour into me? We don’t arrive at maturity alone. We get there together, one obedient step at a time.