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9 Jun: Growing in Christ
Be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ. Ephesians 4:13
Scripture Reading: Ephesians 4:11–16
A recent survey asked people when they felt they had truly become adults. Many answered by pointing to the habits and responsibilities that made them feel grown. For some, it was having a budget or buying a home. For others, it was cooking dinner during the week, booking their own doctor’s appointments, or realizing they’d rather stay home on a Saturday night than go out. A few even joked that adulthood meant being able to eat snacks for dinner and nobody could stop them.
In the same way, the Bible calls us to grow up spiritually. Paul encouraged the believers in Ephesus to “be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ” (Ephesians 4:13). When we’re still young in our faith, we can be easily carried away by “every wind of new teaching” (verse 14). That kind of instability can create confusion and division among God’s people.
But spiritual maturity leads us in a better direction. As we grow in truth and love, we become more united under “Christ, who is the head of his body” (verse 15). Jesus is the One who holds His people together and helps us grow into the body He wants us to be.
God doesn’t leave us to mature on our own. He has given us His Spirit to teach us and remind us of His truth (John 14:26). He has also provided pastors, teachers, and leaders to train us for service, all with the goal of strengthening the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:11–12). And let’s not forget: we have the Bible right in front of us. We need to stay sharp and make sure we aren’t soaking up the teachings of false prophets and deceptive voices (Matthew 7:15, Matthew 24:11, 1 John 4:1, 2 Peter 2:1, Mark 13:22).
Just as certain habits can show that someone is becoming an adult, unity, truth, love, and Christlike growth show that we’re maturing in our faith.
By: Clara Winslow
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Reflect & Pray
In what ways are you still vulnerable to “every wind of teaching”? How can you continue to grow spiritually?
Loving God, You’re the author of my growth and maturity. Please help me to see where my understanding of You is still immature and teach me more of Your wisdom.