I have observed over the years that the body of Christ (Church) is not exercising its full potential. One of the reasons is either people not knowing the purpose of the Church or they know and just care less. This is not the will of God. How can the church fulfil its mission?

The will of God can be found in 1 Cor 14 26
“Well, my brothers and sisters, let’s summarize. When you meet together, one will sing, another will teach, another will tell some special revelation God has given, one will speak in tongues, and another will interpret what is said. But everything that is done must strengthen all of you.”

Let us focus on the last sentence of the above verse “But everything that is done must strengthen all of you.” Each individual must take an active part within the subdivisions of gifts stated above. Church attendees should be (strongly) implored to identify their God given gift and use it within the body of Christ appropriately for the edification of the WHOLE church.

Bench warming should be discouraged. Why? Any time the devil plans to plant weed within the vine yard; the obvious avenue he will set sight on will be via the bench warmers opportunity. The devil always looks for an easy route where resistance will be minimal. However the devil will find it extremely difficult to penetrate and do havoc IF everyone within the body of Christ are fully active.

When everyone are fully participating in the church mission, it will be like an athlete who has gone to the gym to build up all the essential body parts hence giving the body a well defined structure. But imagine if the athlete builds every other part of his body but leaves the abs out, the consequence will be evident for all to see.

Therefore it is vital that every believer should be fully engaged within the body. Idleness cannot be allowed. This gives entrance to gossiping, busybodies, rumour mongering, back biting and etc.

1 Timothy 5:13
And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.

Ezekiel 16:49
“Sodom’s sins were pride, gluttony, and laziness, while the poor and needy suffered outside her door."

CONCLUSION

Ephesians 4:8
“That is why the Scriptures say, "When he ascended to the heights, he led a crowd of captives and gave gifts to his people."

These gifts are not for self edification but needs to be put to use within the body of Christ hence strengthening it and make it the weapon the evil one cannot conquer

God bless