SAINT ANTHONY MARY CLARET, BISHOP (OPTIONAL MEMORIAL)

. . . to equip the holy ones for the work of ministry, for building up the Body of Christ. 

Perhaps you zipped through this reading and thought, “This doesn’t apply to me. I’m not an apostle, a prophet, an evangelist, a teacher.” Think again! It might not be your role to stand at the pulpit to instruct a congregation, but every person in the body of Christ is a teacher as well as a learner. Each of us has our own unique expertise in both practical and spiritual matters. Each of us is meant to use our gifts to equip and build up our brothers and sisters in Christ.

How can we be teachers? Maybe you’re computer savvy, and a friend or family member has asked you how to do something online. It’s tempting to say, “Sure, that’s easy” and proceed to outline a series of steps or, quicker still, to click icons one after another yourself until the task is accomplished. It takes far longer to have your friend do the navigation himself as you look on, offering only the instruction or encouragement he needs at that moment.

But which method better equips him to do the work the next time a similar challenge arises? Sharing your expertise by walking alongside him as he performs the tasks himself will give him the long-term skills he needs. That’s what a good teacher does. And that’s what equipping the body of Christ looks like.

Your aptitudes or experiences are necessary to build up the Church. So recognize your gifts. Maybe you have children and have learned from experience how to run a household. Maybe you are handy around the house. Or perhaps you have studied Scripture and can share your insights. Even if your skills don’t seem all that impressive to you, you can be a wonderful teacher of love.

Don’t disparage the value of what you can teach. Remember, it takes all of us working together to come to the “full stature of Christ” (Ephesians 4:13). You are an integral part of the body of Christ. You have been blessed by God, and he wants you to share those blessings with your brothers and sisters.

“Lord, I offer you my gifts. Help me build up your people today.”

Psalm 122:1-5
Luke 13:1-9
Ephesians 4:7-16

WORD AMONG US