Grow up!

S: Ephesians 4:11-16 11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 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.

O:God gave different people different roles — apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers are listed here, though it’s probably not an exhaustive list. Their purpose is to equip God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up. All of them play a part in helping believers grow and mature in Christ.

It’s very important that we grow in our faith, so that we won’t be easily fooled or become vulnerable to every new teaching, trend, or deception that comes along. Spiritual maturity gives us stability and discernment, but it also brings personal growth — a deepening relationship with Christ, a clearer sense of who we are in Him, and the ability to live out our faith with wisdom, humility, and love.

As we mature, we learn to speak the truth in love, and we help one another grow, building up the whole body in love — with Christ as the head and source of growth.

A: I’m growing in some areas — like Bible knowledge, apologetics, and understanding the relationship between faith and science — but I still fall short in others, especially in emotional control, empathy, and sensitivity to others’ needs. I want to grow in these areas, especially because my immaturity sometimes hurts the people closest to me.

I see younger believers — like Pastor Benny, Jun Wooi, and even the much younger Chyi Shen — showing maturity in ways that challenge and inspire me. Their example, along with the conviction of this passage, motivates me to press on toward greater Christlikeness.

I want to be more aware, more loving, and more like Christ — not just in knowledge, but in how I live and relate to others.

P: Father, lead and guide me as I seek to grow to maturity in Christ. Point out to me where I lack and teach me how to grow in those areas. In Jesus’ name, amen.