Responding with Gratitude - Pt. 6

 

And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. (Ephesians 4:11-16).

 

Our culture often ignores or discounts elderly people.  Many societies in the world today tend to neglect elderly people. They often focus on youth, innovation, and the desire to get ahead. Being young is fashionable, and people who can't keep up are often pushed aside. I like the old proverb that says, “What an old man can see sitting down, the youth cannot see standing up.” It is a reminder that while young people are full of youth and energy, they often don’t have the wisdom that is acquired through experience.

 

Even in the early days of the church there were winds that could blow new believers off course. Ideas, ideals, and ideologies could sway new Christians one way and then another. To withstand the storm of doctrines and sort out what is wise from what is foolish, it is important to become mature. An immature Christian may be joyful and full of energy but can also be unstable and undiscerning. Mature Christians confess the truth in love while continuing to grow. They know that love and truth, doctrine and life, grace and holiness go hand in hand and should not be separated. It is wonderful to be able to grow in this way. All of us continue to grow in faith, no matter how long we have followed Jesus.

 

God has generously provided for this in the gifts He gives to people within the church. A part of our expression of gratitude for these gifts is to connect with others in a community of faith to continue to mature.