What is the Measure?

Immediately after the instruction to “walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,” Paul relays ‘how’ it is to be done. “But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.” (Eph. 4:7) Many may wonder what this “grace” is exactly. It is to be our power source to live. This amazing vocation, defined as our trade or occupation, includes roles as being servants, ambassadors, and preachers-teachers “And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery… the manifold wisdom of God.” (Eph. 3:9-10) We have been left on earth in Christ’s stead with an important job, to be a living sacrifice. “For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.” (I Cor.6:20) It is our reasonable service. (Romans 12:1)

This is the mystery grace doctrine given to us through Paul unto the Gentiles, “If you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward.” (Eph.3:2) It is based on unmerited favor, freely given, yet it is also a power: “Whereof I was made a minister according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.” (Eph.3:7) This grace power works and is designed to be put on display in all of us: “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.” (Eph.3:20) Notice, Ephesians 3 has already taught about this powerful gift given to Paul for his ministry, but now, in Ephesians 4:7, observe that it has also been given to us as our power to walk worthy in this vocation.

The term “measure” is a proportion or our provision, functioning as our power and capacity, which God provides wisdom to us through His Word. This grace doctrine and power is available to all equally through Romans-Philemon. Yet not all saints have the same proportion or measure deposited in their inner man. This is based on many things, like choices to read-study, understanding, maturity, experience; basically one’s journey of faith. We are to have a storehouse of doctrine within, which is our power to live and make decisions, walk by faith, and to press toward the mark in the edification process. Study further using a concordance: looking at terms such as: grace, measure, rule, proportion of faith, or attain unto. These can provide depth to understanding the issue of measure. While we have been given all spiritual blessing in Christ, we have responsibility to apprehend what is available to us freely (Philippians 3:10-16) as explained by Paul and his journey of maturity. No one ever will finish acquiring all God has for us, it’s an eternal process to grow and learn all of what the Father desires for us. How will you proceed?