“So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household,” Ephesians 2:19
Just as believers make up the body of Christ, we are also fellow citizens in God’s household. Both of these word pictures clearly demonstrate that we are not alone in living for the Lord. So, it’s important to engage with other believers rather than isolate ourselves. Being fellow citizens calls for Christian unity.
This illustration pictures more than simply living in God’s household – we are the house. Ephesians 2:20-22 goes on to say, “…having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit.”
You see, we are not lone bricks. God designed us to be fitted together with other believers in His house. According to today’s passage, God has been building believers into God’s household for generations. The teachings of the apostles and prophets laid a foundation for us to recognize Jesus as God’s Son. In turn, we continue to proclaim this message for future generations.
Since Jesus is the cornerstone, each believer is perfectly placed. God positions us to serve in a local church body. And even though the bricks in God’s household are diverse, God uses our differences for His glory. Together with believers around the world, we are becoming His holy temple.
So, how are you engaging with fellow citizens in God’s household? If you’re not actively involved in the ministry of a local church, then you’re missing a huge part of your purpose. Yes, we are unique temples of the Holy Spirit. But by God’s grace, we are also “fitted together…into a holy temple in the Lord.” Are you living as such and encouraging others to do the same? Don’t be a lone brick. Enjoy the encouragement and fellowship of serving the Lord with other believers.