That we might grow up

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

Growing in Christ takes work every day. Reading your Bible and learning to pray Keep God’s commandments, seek help divine.

But grow we must. We must grow in all things as we seek to be more like Jesus. We must grow in peace and holiness and love and compassion and like-mindedness and righteousness and Christ-likeness.

There is a lot here on growth. It must be really important because Paul addresses it so often. The context here is the local church. I think we see that as we all grow together the church also grows. If we are working together as each one grows it helps the others to grow and it helps the body itself to grow in all things to follow and obey the head and be conformed to His will.

It doesn’t happen all by itself. A child left all alone is never going to develop and grow. Childhood is kind of fun and the more years go by we might look back and relish it.

But grow we must. Our purpose to to serve others and to serve God and if we are children we really can’t do that well. If we are immature we are easily hurt and offended and never really know how to handle life situations.

Our growing does not stop. It takes work. But the rewards are worth it.