Ephesians 4:11-14
11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 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, 14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.
In raising children, one of the seemly least effective things to do is to assign them a share in household chores. Children usually don’t want to do chores any more than adults. They can complain and drag their feet. It is easy for a parent to think, “Why am I trying to get my kids to do chores? It would be easier for me to just do them myself!”
If the only goal is getting a task done, doing it yourself is often much quicker. You know the saying “if you want something done right, you need to do it yourself.” But, in this case, the chore isn’t the goal. The parents’ goal is raising children to be mature, wise, and loving. The chores are only a teaching tool. By participating in the work of the household, a child comes to know what it means to be part of a family and community. A child learns to develop respect for others, their work in the family, and his or her own role and calling. This is how children learn to actually be a part of a family.
God gave various chores, or callings, in His church. Not everyone has the same role, but all have a role, because God cares that we grow to be mature, wise, and loving. In following God’s will and faithfully caring for one another, the will of God is accomplished. As grow up, we are not easily fooled by satanic temptations and lies. We support one another and most of all, we recognize that God, as the head of HIs body the church, has placed us all where we need to be for the good of all.
Jesus is the world’s one Savior. He is the one who could offer the perfect sacrifice that forgives the sins of the world. Jesus is the one who rose from the dead and now offers eternal life to all people through faith. Jesus fulfilled His calling, and will come again on the last day as judge of the living and the dead.
In the mean time, God cares for you and is helping you to grow up in the faith through the various callings in His church. As God gives us opportunities to serve one another in love, God causes us to become mature and grow in wisdom and love.
Let us pray,
Thank you Lord for patiently caring for me throughout my life and involving me in my place in your body the church. I thank you for the care that you have provided through others in my congregation who teach and care for me. I ask you to help me likewise to serve others with joy. In your name I pray, AMEN
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come,Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.