16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.
according to the [the standard] effective working
God proportions the measure for supplying what is needed for the church. “Effective” speaks of operational power for the church, a power that effectively works symmetrically through its members. This will execute “effective” results in ministry. The growth of the body accords to the living power that pervades it.
PRINCIPLE:
Effective results in ministry come from members of the church working symmetrically together.
APPLICATION:
As leadership enables the body to grow corporately, the body will function as it should. Leadership cannot do all the ministry by themselves. Neither can some members do the work of others; each must perform the gifts God sovereignly gives to them. When this happens as it should, the church functions efficiently. The idea is symmetrical development of the body of Christ.
