Many in the body of Christ are dismayed at the poor judgment and unfaithfulness to the Lord and the Word by the conduct of many church leaders, pastors etc. Reactions have varied from shock to righteous verbal condemnation. We need to go back to the word of God to get our bearing on how to deal with a worsening situation. To be quiet is to be an abettor, so silence over evil conduct is not the answer. Let’s take a look at our scripture text for today.

Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. Ephesians 4:15 (NLT)

Rather, let our lives lovingly express truth [in all things, speaking truly, dealing truly, living truly]. Enfolded in love, let us grow up in every way and in all things into Him Who is the Head, [even] Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One). Ephesians 4:15 (AMPC)

Our scripture text shows how we are to respond. Not criticism, but

1. lovingly expressing the truth,
2. to who do we speak the truth? The body of Christ, and
3. for what purpose? To destroy or to build up and redirect to God as the goal

It is for these reasons that verse 16 speaks to our building up each other by the grace we have been individually endowed with. This is the way to edify each other for the increase of the body—attracting others as they see the measure of display of love towards one another. Acts 2:41-47 records the early believers’ conduct towards the promised caretaker, the Holy Spirit, and towards one another.

We should do no less, so we don’t draw the kind of discipline that befell Ananias and Saphira, that sent shockwaves through the body (Acts 5:1-14). There is no room for hypocrisy and deceitfulness as fully expanded in Ephesians 4:22-32, noting verse 25 in particular, a trait that easily finds its way to the lives of believers.

Throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil. If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need. Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:22-32 (NLT)

This text speaks to another important attribute that confronts the gross malaise in the body of Christ, at least in our nation. Labour with your hands, it is your labour that the Lord blesses, not idleness in the name of breakthrough! And why labour with your hands? Verse 28 answers the question and that answer applies to every believer including the church leadership.

Every man that has the ability to labour has been so appointed to give to the needy (Acts 20:34-35). In whatever capacity you labour as worker, businessman or church leader, kindness and generosity must not be wanting in your traits. The spirit of giving that was the essence of salvation (John 3:16) must prevail and be perpetually present. Selah.


Pastor Afolabi Oladele