Friday – Ephesians 4:14-16 – You Can’t Build It Alone
By Pastor Paul Georgulis
“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.” – Ephesians 4:14-16 (New International Version)
Here, the Apostle Paul continues his thoughts on maturing in our faith by saying that when we have reached maturity, we will no longer be infants (i.e., spiritually immature) who are pushed around by the waves and the winds of ungodly teaching and people. When we have reached this level of spiritual maturity, Paul says we will speak the truth in love. Speaking the truth in love sounds simple, but many find it very hard to do. Some are fairly good at it but forget to be loving. Some are good at being loving but have difficulty being honest with others when the truth is painful. To build up the church, we need to both speak the truth, but do it in a loving manner.
Jesus’ grand design for the church is that we help each other grow and mature in our faith. When we join with Jesus, He forms us into a group united in purpose and in love for one another and for God. If one stumbles, the rest of the group picks that person up and helps him or her get back on their path with God again. Don’t try to live the Christian life alone. As part of the Body of Christ – the Church – you can reflect His character and carry out your special role in the work He has called the church to do.
Are you maturing spiritually? Do you speak the truth in love? Are you helping others to become more spiritually mature? If the answer is no, then what are you waiting for? Get plugged in to the church and find fulfillment in sharing God’s love with others. If the answer is yes, then keep up the good work – always growing, always loving, and always becoming more like Jesus.
Prayer:
Father, we ask that you would give us the desire and the passion to grow in our faith and to become more spiritually mature. Let us no longer be babies, but let us be the ones to whom others look for wisdom, advice, and spiritual guidance. Continue to fill us with your wisdom. Continue to use us to build your church and further your kingdom. Thank you for making us a vital part of your heavenly team.
In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!
