We are the Household of God
by Teri Anderson
Today’s Treasure
And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him, you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.
Ephesians 2:17-22
In my neighborhood, at the end of the street, there is a wall that has continually been bashed into by cars taking that corner too fast. After the latest gash in the wall months ago, the homeowners have still not repaired the hole. Bricks are scattered everywhere. The wall no longer serves its purpose. It doesn’t keep danger out or the pets in. Every time we drive by, I think of these verses in Ephesians. Metaphorically joined “in the Lord,” these fellow citizens in Ephesus become a protective wall, a stable house, a holy temple, a word picture for community.
When God created Adam, aloneness was “not good” (Genesis 2:18) even in the perfect, unfallen Garden. In our fallen world, community, as reflected in God’s nature, is still intrinsic to creation. Consider some relational elements of God that exist within the Trinity for all eternity, qualities like fellowship, love, service, and outreach. We cannot “do” any of these alone. Each requires relationship, both in the Trinity and in a humanity created in His image. We corporately glorify God by reflecting these relational aspects of His character. These Ephesians verses focus on the new relationship reality when “those who were far off” and “those who were near” are unified in Christ. He calls us to be “bricks” in a holy temple, “fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.” Ephesians 2:22 uses the phrase “being built together.” Ephesians 4:12 explains that gifts are given “to build each other up” so that we become spiritually mature. This common phrase can also be translated as to “edify.” In Greek, edify literally means “to build a house” Edification means “a building,” an edifice! This Greek word is translated into English as “to build, to edify, or to strengthen.”
LIFE GIVING ENCOURAGEMENT
When Christ redeems us, He etches “one-anothering” on our new kingdom-focused heart. Romans 14:19 admonishes us, “So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual up-building.” Edification! God gives us a yearning for being with His people that transcends dividers like race, age, gender, and socio-economic status! As we interact with each other, our hearts grow in their kingdom focus and we discover the depth of the unified community where God has placed us. Bricks serve a greater purpose when mortared together. And unlike the broken wall down the street in my neighborhood, the household of God, His city, has a constructive outcome, described by Jesus:
You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Matthew 5:14-16
PRAYER
How can we respond collectively in love and trust to specific needs, fears, hopes, and joys within our household of God? Use your prayer time today to treasure your calling to build up others as you reflect on being a “brick” in the body where He has placed you.
God through Peter says of us collectively:
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
1 Peter 2:9-10
Teri Anderson - Teri and her husband, Mark, are members of Spring Meadows PCA in Las Vegas, NV. They have two adult “kids,” a son-in-law, & enjoy their 4 year old granddaughter as often as possible! Teri taught high school English, Computer Technology, and Gifted Education before beginning her motherhood role & a resulting home-based Mary Kay Cosmetics business, becoming a “mompreneur“ before it was trendy! Currently, as an Independent Sales Director, she provides training and mentoring for women of all ages across the USA. In the volunteer world, she served several terms as a Women’s Advisor to the Board of Covenant College, and as an Alpha Omicron Pi VP and International Board member. Locally, Teri has served on the Women’s Ministry Team and taught Sunday School and Bible Study. She has served as a PCA Women’s Ministry Trainer and retreat speaker since 2001.
Subscribe to Daily Treasure and have devotionals like this one delivered to your inbox.
Contact Sharon with comments or questions at dailytreasure@markinc.org.