My husband and I stayed in a motel in Nashville two nights before a tornado ripped through the area. We watched the destruction on television and wondered at the fact that we were just there, in its path. We marveled at our last minute decision to come home two days earlier than planned.
A few years ago, a tornado destroyed some homes near ours. Debris fell up to 50 miles away, picked up and hurled like missiles inside its vortex, then spread over fields and yards far from the storm’s route.
God’s hand in nature both terrifies and comforts. It comforts because it shows His magnificence and beauty. It terrifies because we have no control over it.
In the book of Ephesians, the Apostle Paul looks at the church in Ephesus. He compares their spiritual growth to winds and waves. First though, he sets a contrast, a measure to strive for.
“…until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.” (Eph. 4:13; NASB)
Unity of faith and knowledge of Jesus is gained by understanding Scripture and is characteristic of a spiritually “mature” individual.
One thing I know in this process of my physical maturing, older does not necessarily mean wiser or better.
But spiritual maturity is an altogether different thing.
Take a look at a child captured in the arms of a parent when he doesn’t want to be. Like a hand held tornado he pushes away. His little body wiggles and twirls. His attention is on the next thing. His focus is ready to embrace something new.
This is Paul’s picture of us.
But we aren’t to remain that way.
“As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ,…” (Eph. 4:14; NASB)
Unity, built on faith in Christ, solid, firm and unshakable. Some say doctrine divides. Scripture informs us that’s just not true. People divide.
In today’s so-called Christian world we are easily caught up in a cyclone of Christian winds, ideas and faddish waves that drive the church.
“That book changed my life,” my friend said.
“That conference.”
“That speaker.”
“That this and that that…”
You may have said it. I just may have too.
But here is the deal. We need to grow up.
Ultimately, in the winds and waves of Christian influences and followings, it is really Jesus that changes us and transforms our lives hearts, minds and souls.
True transformation, the kind that rips us apart down to our very foundations and builds strong solid faith in Christ alone, comes from the Word of God. Layer upon layer, read and re-read, built over time, speaks into the deep needs of our hearts. The rest, helpful but soon forgotten, falls off somewhere along the way like debris.
God’s Word has the power to turn our path from destructive, storm-tossed flailing followers into strong, stable disciples, firm in truth.
It’s birthday time.
Time to grow up “in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ…” (verse 14).
J.D. Wininger
Amen Ms. Sylvia. Getting older does not mature our faith. Knowledge, understanding, and the wisdom that comes from it’s application is what we need to “grow up” in our faith. In this journey of faith, I’ve found it’s not exactly linear but incremental. Am grateful I’m in a season of great growth as I am learning more from reading words of wisdom from you and other “Light Writers.” God’s blessings ma’am.
Sylvia Schroeder
Thanks J.D. Growing has its pains, but seriously I do want to embrace it. I appreciate your comment as always.
RJ Thesman
So glad you were out of Nashville and safe !
Sylvia A Schroeder
So are we!! It just breaks my heart to see the destruction.
Mary Neir
Amen Sylvia! So true – I am so glad you left Nashville early too –
Excellent thoughts – keep up the good work💕
Sylvia Schroeder
Thanks Mary! I’m glad we did too.
Joanna Eccles
Thanks for the reminder that God’s Word is what changes, renews, and grows our souls.
Sylvia A Schroeder
Thank you Joanna. God’s Word is so precious isn’t it! Appreciate your comment.
K.A. Wypych
This post hits the point home so well… we do need to remember the nuts and bolts of our faith. While the extras are awesome, nothing is a substitute for spending time with God and doing the work. “It’s birthday time” may just become a regular saying for me. Nice work!
Sylvia Schroeder
Thank you K.A. I really appreciate your comment. You are so right, there is so much great stuff out there, but nothing like God’s Word itself. It’s worth the dig.
Barbara L. Latta
Growing up in Christ. That is true transformation! Thankful you were not hurt by the tornado.
Sylvia Schroeder
Thanks Barbara. I do have lots of growing up left to do. Appreciate the comment!
Joshua J Masters
“True transformation, the kind that rips us apart down to our very foundations and builds strong solid faith in Christ alone, comes from the Word of God.”
Amen. This is such a powerful statement. Thank you for reminding us that a mature faith comes from the Holy Spirit, and investing in God’s Word.
Sylvia Schroeder
Thank you Joshua. I appreciate your comment so very much.