“God wants us to grow up, to know the whole truth and tell it in love—like Christ in everything. We take our lead from Christ, who is the source of everything we do. He keeps us in step with each other.
His very breath and blood flow through us, nourishing us so that we will grow up healthy in God, robust in love.”
Ephesians 4:15-16 MSG
Has anyone ever directed this comment to you, “Why don’t you grow up?” You were probably being admonished after a very childish thing you said or did. And the problem was you weren’t a child! At least not in chronological age.
In the letter written to the church at Ephesus, Apostle Paul reminds us that God wants us to grow up. Quit dabbling in your childish ways. Quit leaning on yourself and messing up. Quit ignoring Christ, who lives and breathes IN you. You have no excuse for your flighty and foolish display.
Christ is to be your lead…your example…your SOURCE of everything you do. And His Father, God, wants us to grow up like His Son, Christ Jesus…in all ways! That means everything!
No excuses anymore for your pity parties. Fits of rage. Melt-downs. Temper tantrums. “That’s mine” attitudes. Oh, you might have these occurrences occasionally, but the first thing you do is ask forgiveness of your immature actions. From God. From the ones you hurt. No more excusing yourself and blaming others. There’s a sign of growing up! Growing up healthy in God!
And how is that happening? You have begun to nourish on truth and love. That truth and love has a name. Jesus the Christ. His very breath and blood flow through you. You have begun to “know Christ and the power of His resurrection.” When others see you, they see Jesus.
No more ugly, feather-brained actions define you. You are knowing the whole truth, telling it in love and being like Christ in everything.
So, grow up! It’s a process. It can’t be accomplished overnight. However, you do have everything you need to mature. It’s if you keep your eyes fixed on the One who is your strength to grow each step of the way. He IS your nourishment. Maturity WILL happen.
