Ephesians 4:11-12 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

We are not tools. When I thought to compare computer accessories with people it stuck me that there are similarities of devices we call plug & play and people. It isn’t a fair comparison. Plug & Play devices are built to perform one way and without any concern to the type of computer being plug into. They have their own software and need nothing but a connection to function.

People on the other hand do not come into a church fully ready to get plugged into a role at church and just operate independent of other people. It is true that Christians move around the country because of jobs or family. We will bring with us experience and training from our past. Being equipped does not mean we will fit.

We are not tools. How God used us in the past is helpful but does not discard the possibility that God might want to use you in a new way. Growing in Christ isn’t a career path. Ephesians 4:11 lists a number of service positions within a church organization. We tend to look at these positions as career opportunities and in doing so fail to look at the significance of the more vital issue of verse 12, the edification of the body of Christ.

I came into my new church after moving from one town to another. I came ready to plug & play. It became obvious that there was no place for me to plug in. My training and gifting was not in play. As it turned out as I got plugged in to the available spot, I discovered I was lacking in that which was not exercised. My weaknesses were exposed and I have become stronger all around because I did not insist on my strengths being used at this church.

We are not tools, fit to be used in only one way.

Ecclesiastes 6:9 Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the desire: this is also vanity and vexation of spirit.

I have noticed of late my behavior of late, that I bow my head in church often. I do it instinctively but I have come to an understanding of why a little better now. We need not eyes to see. The human eye can be and often is a worldly distraction from things spiritual.

We look at people and wonder. When you care about people you tend to think odd things, perhaps not so odd. He’s looking thin and tired. She is in pain again. Is that a new shirt? Is he trying to grow a beard? What is he looking at over there? That wry smile, something funny happened, what did I miss?

Closing my eyes quiets my mind from things that are distracting me from the message and what God might be doing in the moment. Ignoring God when He is trying to tell you something is one form of vexing the spirit. Putting your eyes to no good use is a form of vanity, it does not produce anything godly.

Understand this is me and the way I am. I cannot speak for anyone else but myself. Do you have to do what I do? Of course not. But if you are having trouble hearing God, what are you doing to help kill the background clutter that is distracting you from hearing? Being in your prayer closet has nothing to do with a room or a door. It is a way of shutting out distractions.

Psalm 46:10a Be still and know that I am God…

That has nothing to do with body movement, but rather the quieted mind.