City Life Starter

Written by Blesson C. Selvanesan

The Word

14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love. (Ephesians 4:14-16, NKJV).

Interpretation

Maturity in Christian life is essential for a fulfilling and principled life. It is also a hallmark of a church rooted in Christ. Orthodox Christianity is rooted in sound doctrines. Paul exhorts the believers not to be immature or childlike in their walk with ignorance and instability. A believer who is ignorant will become easy prey to cunning and deceitful teachings. They will be gullible and can be easily persuaded by every new argument that is constructed by anyone who would want to deceive. Paul wants them to grow up be rooted in truth with love. Truth without love can be brutal, so Paul urges the believers to show love, not just by their empty words by their lives while proclaiming the truth.

Paul then brings in the analogy of a human body with Christ as the head and all of the believers as various functioning parts joint together seamlessly into one entity. He exhorts all to work under the command of the head in unison for a purpose. He recognizes that all the organs have different functions but are united in purpose, and when every organ does its part, the body functions well. All organs are important and essential, but every organ is different. Similarly, when everyone with different talents, cultures, ethnicity, background, and profession unite together in one purpose under the headship of Christ, the church will work as one body; it will grow and achieve its purpose.   

Application

God’s kingdom is a united kingdom. For it to function properly, it needs to teach and follow a sound doctrine. False teachings and unorthodox doctrines slowly poison the minds and rot a congregation. As mature believers, we should recognize this external threat and strengthen the believers to have a sound mind to examine all claims against the orthodox views of the scripture. Unity, motivated by love, is another essential factor for the growth of a church. This is an internal threat for a congregation with members who are diverse. If everyone knows their place and function and is motivated by love, growth happens, and the ministry will flourish.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, Help us discern the truth and follow the truth and tell the truth. Help us always to be motivated by love. Help us stay strong in you with a sound mind and doctrine to become mature Christians. Help us not to waver but to have a sound mind. Would you please help us to be united at all times? In Jesus Name, Amen.