So, what’s with all the talk about a new 5G network for our trusty phones? What’s the purpose? I looked it up…

5G is designed to do a variety of things that can transform our lives, including giving us faster download speeds, low latency, and more capacity and connectivity for billions of devices—especially in the areas of virtual reality (VR), the IoT, and artificial intelligence (AI).

Wow, I didn’t know it was going to transform my life by connecting me to billions of devices. And it scares me a bit when they talk about Artificial Intelligence. Not really sure I want some machine thinking for me and making my decisions. However, there is one thing I know about 5G… you have to buy a new phone. And isn’t that a big reason for all the expansion? I have no idea how many iPhones have been released, but I can tell you that I know a number of folks that have to buy a new one immediately after the release, even though there is nothing wrong with the one they have. I’m sure the Apple and Android folks have all that neatly tucked away in their business plan to support growing profits.

As I pondered the whole thing a question popped up in my mind … When is God going to release His 5G Network? Well the answer came rather quickly. He’s still working off of His original 5G Network and has no plans to change., Its been working just fine for centuries and needs no improvement. And the bonus is that the cost hasn’t changed since He released it centuries ago.

The Cost

Well the upfront cost is pretty straight forward … You need to give your life to the Lord and make Him Lord of all. It seems that is usually taken care of quickly; one might say, “in a moment of truth.” But, like today’s cellphone companies, God also has an ongoing fee if you want the full benefits of His system.

The Ongoing Fee

Eph 4:1-3 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. ESV

The first step in accomplishing that is to free yourself from legalism; from works. But how does God’s network deal with that?

Phil 4:1 Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved. ESV

As the KJV says, we need to “stand fast” in the Lord; histemi – stand upright in faith, free from legal bondage (works). We are to stand in willing subjection to His authority; to stand together in One Spirit. That is the ongoing fee we need to pay to enjoy all the benefits of God’s 1G Network.

God’s 5G Network

Eph 4:11-12 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers … to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ … ESV

As opposed to the world’s 5G network, which needs billions of devices to transform our lives, God has done it all … that He might fill all things in His 5G Network:

1. Apostles – Governing Ministry
2. Prophets – Guiding Ministry
3. Evangelists – Gathering Ministry
4. Pastors – Guarding Ministry
5. Teacher – Grounding Ministry

And it isn’t trying to solve a billion issues with a billion devices. It’s purpose is clear, definitive, and concise:

Eph 4:12 … to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ … ESV

Yes, God’s 5G Network provides for the “equipping and building up” Jesus’ bride. His 5G Network is all we need to complete His perfect plan for our lives… be conformed into the image of Jesus. All we have to do is commit to using His network and allow His Spirit to transform our lives.

Eph 4:13-15 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. ESV