Linked In Devotion Day 17: Growing up Ephesians 4:13-16: “…until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. 14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” Life in Christ involves growth. Part of living a life worthy of our calling is ensuring that we grow up and mature in our faith. If we saw a baby who never grew up and developed, we would know quickly that there was something terribly wrong, but often, there are many Christians who are tempted to get stuck in spiritual infancy and who do not grow up in their faith. This is a terrible tragedy and is a dangerous place for Christians to be, because just like babies are helpless and vulnerable, spiritual infants are equally defenseless and exposed. If we do not grow up in Christ we will forever remain insecure and susceptible to false teaching, going back and forth with every social whim and pressure, rather than being firm and immovable in Christ and growing to our full potential in Him. Spiritual growth doesn’t happen by accident. By the grace of God, the Holy Spirit is at work in us, molding and shaping us and helping us grow, but real growth requires a decision of will and then practical action to ensure that it comes about. It requires staying connected to God, spending time with Him and allowing the Spirit to work in us (John 15:1-5), feeding on the Word of God (Matthew 4:4) and the exercise of spiritual disciplines like prayer, fasting, giving and service (1 Corinthians 9:25). Growth, while uniquely individual, is also collective. As each of us grow in our faith, we are also able to grow together, as a more fully functioning, better equipped and skilled Body of Christ that is more effective in the world.
Posted on: Tue, 14 Oct 2014 07:00:00 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015