Ephesians 4:15-17 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,

Vanity is biblically defined as emptiness as to results. In this season of identity we speak of seeing ourselves in a role, chosen of God, to meet a successful end. These verses in Ephesians 4 are critical in determining if our vision of self is vane or a reflection of relationship. Do we fit in or do we feel like an outsider looking in? Are we compacted so that we have close fellowship where we feel supported on every side? Do we feel we are accomplishing our part, adding to the growth of this body in which we are just one part? Do we love them? Are we loved by them?

Are we talking a church body or the body of Christ? Yes. It is both. This is why different members of church groups can gather together in unity of faith and feel they have not lost anything but rather gained a larger part in extending the love beyond the small group setting. Jesus broke up the five thousand into small groups and set men to see that the needs of the individual were not overlooked. He taught all of them at once.

These days jobs change, cities change, and new life is explored afresh. If you are in this situation and you find yourself in new surroundings, how do you find a new church, a new small group? Do you walk in and declare yourself or do you wait to see if anyone notices you are new?

John 15:15 Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.

I think it is important here to recognize our role as believers and that it is Jesus who defines our place in this relationship. Jesus said we must come to Him as babes. Being born again we are babes in Christ.

Galatians 4 tells us we are under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the Father. The implication is that we are to grow and as we grow in Christ how we see ourselves in our roles in this relationship will change as God wills.

Being in the will of God determines those roles but without the relationship we will not know what those roles are and the responsibilities that come with it. If we see ourselves to be more than exactly what we are, we are choosing what we want to do and act out of selfish desires.

This is why it is important to have fellowship with believers who have gone through this process before you. They will recognize the gifts in you before you might even be aware of them yourselves. It is in the assignment of service that your heart is revealed. Then as you grow in Christ, Jesus calls you no longer servant and entrusts you as a friend to know what plans the Father has for you.

Ephesians 4:15-17 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,