"THE SAINTS!"

Ephesians 4:11-14               (ESV)
"10 He WHO descended is the ONE WHO also ascended far above all the heavens, that HE might fill all things.)
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."


Everyone of us is assigned by GOD ALMIGHTY a life to live., either for HIM, or for ourselves and the enemy. Some followers of CHRIST are called to be teachers, some shepherds, some evangelists, others prophets and other apostles.  GOD determines what a calling is, not your mother or grandmother, your father or grandfather!  Until GOD calls you and you respond favorably, you won't have HIS blessing on your life!  You can be a successful leader (as far as the world is concerned), but you'll never be able to lead HIS sheep, which is what ALL offices mentioned above are charged to do!

You may ask, what is my calling if I'm not called to be one of the aforementioned "leaders"?  It may be to be one of "THE SAINTS" mentioned in verse 12.   Being a follower is critical to being a Christian.  We ALL are called to follow CHRIST.   Don't attempt to elevate yourself in your mind because you have a "position" or an "office" that is spoken about, for being a prayer warrior is written about FAR MORE than any other calling.   A faithful prayer warrior is cherished by any pastor worth his calling, for he knows that unless he has the divine protection of the prayers of "THE SAINTS", he is battling with one arm tied behind his back.  

So many "leaders" aren't GOD called and wind up tickling ears and saying what will get the biggest offering on Sunday.  The don't plow too deep because they aren't interested in seeing Spiritual growth by their listeners, rather how many attendees they have from Sunday to Sunday.  Finding out what your Spiritual gift is vital, not only for your Spiritual growth, but to fit into "the family" you are a part of.  Unless you have people who are called to be in support roles, there won't be growth in your Spiritual family.  Too many chiefs and not enough warriors leads to imminent defeat!

It can't be emphasized enough that "THE SAINTS" must be striving for "mature manhood" (v13) so that they will be NO LONGER CHILDREN in the army for CHRIST!  To become "THE SAINTS", the WORD must be followed, and not just the part that makes us happy, but the part that draws us closer to HIM!  That is being part of "THE SAINTS"!!!