We Belong Hereনমুনা

The goal of church commitment is that every single church member would help the whole church grow to maturity in Christ. We read in this passage of how such a purpose is achieved.

Christ gave the gifts, why? So every member is equipped to serve. But why should every member be equipped to serve? So every member pursues maturity. But why should every member pursue maturity? So every member will not be deceived by what is false, and will speak the truth. But how does this happen? When the entire body works together, each part doing its work.

This teaches us that we should evaluate our church in terms of how well we are helping others grow in their knowledge of Christ and gain Christian maturity. I often wonder whether I really desire to grow in spiritual maturity, just like my desire to grow in assets accumulation, latest gadgets, etc.But more often than not, obtaining Gospel maturity is not something that comes naturally. The psalmist reminds us of the deer panting for the waters; what are we really panting for? (Psalm 42)

This is important because in the next verse Paul suggests that by pursuing maturity, we won’t be blown and tossed by winds of doctrine and we won’t buy in to men’s deceitful schemes (v. 14). The moment we hear of false teaching, our first thoughts are of cults or religious fanaticism. And it is true that all of those are definitely to be avoided. But think here of teachings that are false, but are often subtle and indirect in nature.

Think of all that society is stuffing our minds with. Think of how we so easily get swept away by the hopeless and incomplete promises of this world. That is the world we are living in, and slowly and steadily we are beginning to learn what these flawed sources are influencing us.

We are slowly learning that comfort and luxury will satisfy.We are slowly learning that recognition and appreciation must be found in the charm and glamour of Linkedin and Instagram.We are subtly learning that security and freedom can be acquired only if we worked real hard.

The Gospel teaches us, that we do not need to comply to these False teachings. The Gospel teaches us, that we have every spiritual blessing in Christ. Christ is truly our all in all.

Questions for Reflection

1. What would any church look like if they said they believed that every member’s ministry and maturity is biblical, but did nothing about it?

2. What does every member ‘speaking the truth inlove’ look like practically?