8C. Harmonic Households

In the Household of Faith, a Christian's gifts develop over time and with use. Just as plants grow with time, so roles develop as the Household of Faith matures. In God's plan, Christians acquire new skills and develop their God-given gifts. In the Acts of the Apostles, Stephen is described as one of seven deacons waiting on tables, but later we find him preaching in the open air, this time as an Evangelist. His work altered profoundly as God blossomed forth the gifts within him. His role developed in the constantly changing kaleidoscope of the Body of Christ, cradled in the Household of Faith. Jealousy is not permitted in the Household of Faith. Christian should not be proud because they possess a gift that someone else does not. Nor should they become envious when another receives a prized talent. "We have different gifts according to the grace given us,"¹³ writes Paul.

Christian Gift Development

God gives the gifts and he knows best. Michael Green writes, "While some of us might in all humility be able to see ourselves as hands and feet or yet more modestly as fingers and toes of a small local congregational body, any individual who claimed to be a foot of the church might rightly be regarded as too big for his boots!"

Household Ebbing and Flowing

The pool of gifted persons in the Household of Faith ebbs and flows as Christians leave and others take their place. Newly acquired skills and training matures us little by little spiritually, and so the body develops. A sudden death precipitates an imbalance as if a hand had been amputated. The group later reforms to the new reality without that person and so the body's complete ministry re-emerges and continues.

Weaker Members of the Body

The frailer parts of the Household of Faith have a particular significance. Paul writes, "These parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable."¹⁹ In the Household of Faith, children have a particularly special place and are honoured there. Jesus emphasized this when his followers tried to discourage mothers from bringing their babies to him but Jesus insisted on blessing them. His assertion rocked his listeners on their heels and challenges us today, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."²⁰ Jesus emphatically taught here, by his word and in his action, that babies and children hold passports to the Kingdom of God. We are all called. Mentally challenged persons, like infants, are also precious in the Household of Faith.

Working Together

The various parts of the human body need one another and are intended to work together. "The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!"¹⁴ Imagine strolling along the road and a snarling dog races up behind you. Your ears hear the growling first and immediately flash a message to your brain. Your arm muscles react instantaneously and pull your hand to safety! In this way, your body protects your fragile fingers from the dog's teeth. The different parts act together for the Body's greater good. The linked members of the Household of Faith work in harmony for the greater good of both the faith community and also the people it ministers with.

Questions for Discussion

1. What can your church do to work in harmony?

2. What makes children part of the Kingdom of God?

"You are fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household." Ephesians 2.19

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