No longer children

That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. – Ephesians 4.14-16

Even at my age I still love kids. Mary and I have been working with kids for more than 40 years together. I love their innocence and their outlook on life and their ability to be amazed at even the smallest thing. I love seeing them on walks hopping and skipping and stopping for a new investigation. I love teaching them and watching them learn.

We often tease our kids and grandkids about growing up too fast and about how we want them to stop growing, but imagine what it would be like if they did stop growing. It would be unmitigated tragedy. It happens sometimes. Some children do never mature and grow up. Nobody really wants that.

It’s the same for Christians. It a blessing to see people get saved and be overjoyed with the freshness of their salvation. It’s wonderful to see them learn and be excited about the basics that we have know for so long that maybe we’ve lost some of that excitement.

But young believers, just like young children must eventually grow up. Young believers can be unstable in their faith and easily tossed and turned about by the winds of doctrine.

That’s why we are told that we are to move on from the basics and move on to the deeper things. We must be well grounded. We must move on so that we can carry on serving Him and not be swayed.