August 22

Grow up into. 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. Ephesians 4:15, 16

THE apostle's thought seems to be that while each new creature may be considered as a complete member of Christ, and have all the parts of his own character thoroughly lubricated with the spirit of love, in addition to this all the new creatures are to recognize themselves as members one of another, and of the body of Christ, the church, and are to exercise toward one another in their various efforts toward co-operation in obedience to the will of the Lord such love, such unction, such anointing, such lubrication, as will prevent friction and enable the whole body of Christ to co-operate for its own upbuilding in the graces as well as for its own completion in numbers.