Hi, my name is Mel Ponder. I’m a state representative in the Florida House – district 4 – and today we’re with GOD TV. The scripture I have for us today is form the New Living Translation. It’s Ephesians 4:16. It’s a scripture that God continues to speak to me time and time again. It says simply this, “The body was meant to fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work it helps the other parts grow, so that the body is edified and growing and full of love.” As believers, we kind of get that a little bit. We will say we are all a part of the body of Christ. We have apostle, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers. We can get the functionality of that. But, for me as one that works in the political arena as well as the business arena – as well as the majority of you watching today – probably earn your living outside of the church. If you replace the word “body” with “city” for example. Let’s say, the “city” was meant to fit together perfectly. Or if you’re in business and you’re a CEO and you run your own company how about “my business” was meant to fit together perfectly.
As each part does its own special work it helps the other parts grow. Think about the functionality of that. Many times we say, “I’m the vice president of sales so I get my part.” But, you know what? If you’re doing your job right, and your distribution team (which you need them as well) is doing their job right, and shipping and all the other parts that make up your team – that makes the success happen. That’s where the Bible says, “It helps the other parts grow.” It’s the functionality of a team, it’s the functionality of a city. And yes, it is a functionality of the body of Christ.
I think the real estate community is an amazing example of how we honor the salesperson (and they should be honored for selling an amazing piece of property). But, guess what? If you have to have financing and you can’t get it – it won’t close. If you have to get a title and it doesn’t come back clear it can’t close. Same with an appraisal, survey, etc. It’s honoring every piece of the team and recognizing that each functionality will help the other pieces around them grow so that the Kingdom will continue to spread and expand in your business, in your city, and in your church. It’s a challenge for each little step and each day to give honor to every part of the team.
So Lord, I bless everyone today. I thank you they’d see their teammates as fellow laborers in the purpose where you’ve assigned them in the workplace, in the home, and in the city. Give them revelation that their part is important and honor them. Give them a chance to be recognized and celebrate them in front of other people, to know that their assignment was of you and that they hit the mark. So I bless them today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.