Ephesians 1:18-19 I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength.

The Greek in Paul’s very long sentences is sometimes hard to divide reasonably in translation, which is why different languages will sometimes divide verses differently. However, the magnificent truths that Paul was communicating are so interconnected that this difficulty is certainly understandable. As this passage indicates, we can’t begin to grasp them all without the help of God! As a matter of fact, if we aren’t allowing God to continually give us more insight, we are all too prone to take what we already know for granted, and fail to be properly grateful, much less make proper use of all that God has given us. However, since God and His grace are infinite, if we do have that attitude of always being open for more, then there is no limit to what God will pour out onto, into, and through us. There is one caveat here: we must never think that what God pours out is for us alone. We receive and are blessed by it, certainly, but it is never to stop with us; we are to transmit it in turn to others. This applies whether it is material blessings (we’re familiar with the idea of sharing those) or spiritual understanding. God is incredibly generous in both areas, but if we are stingy, we will discover that the supply seems to dry up.

I’ve never had an overwhelming supply of the material, but God has been more than gracious in spiritual blessings toward me. I keep talking about my heritage that comes from being a fourth generation preacher, and each of the preceding generations was true to God and His Word. That’s certainly not something I ever worked for or earned! Having been raised in that environment, however, I have the strong tendency to take spiritual knowledge and insight for granted, and that benefits neither me nor anyone to whom I minister. I need to let God open my eyes to understand not only the truths of His Word, but also how to share those truths effectively with those who don’t have the background for understanding them that I do. I often find myself feeling like it says in Hebrews 5:11-14, having to pre-chew everything before people can receive it. However, I’m not to resent that, but extend to others the grace that has been poured out on me, recognizing that the ground is indeed level at the foot of the cross, and rejoicing to be useful to God in drawing others closer to Him.

Father, thank You for the Word You’ve given me for this morning. It seems incredibly basic, but we all need our foundations patched and extended sometimes. Thank You for the “repair work” You allowed me to do with the sister who came by yesterday. May I be a fully willing and available workman so that Christ may build His Church, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!