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“Then we will no longer be immature like children…” Today’s passage starts with such a strong line. As a parent, I read this and immediately think about my children, and just how immature they are. Not with a negative connotation that can sometimes be associated with the word “immaturity,” but rather in the sense that they haven’t had time to be taught yet. Just as we go from adolescence to adulthood in our emotional, mental, and physical lives; God desires for us to experience this in our spiritual lives as well. More than a desire, it’s a standard of how God expects us to live.

Just as a good parent teaches their child how to become mature and learn to navigate this world on their own, God, through His word, does the same for us. Right here, at the end of verse 14, Paul begins to describe what maturity in Christ looks like. ‘That we will not be tossed about and blown around’ but rather that we could have deep roots. Not only will we be able to know the truth on our own, but we will be known for speaking that truth with love. And just as a child becomes mature and expresses the characteristics and teachings of their parents, so it is with Christians. That as we mature, we express the characteristics and teachings of Jesus. As we do this, we see that the whole body, the Church, benefits.

Paul continues to explain and describe what living maturely does and does not look like, all the way through Ephesians 6. So, since we, as Christians, have been made alive with Christ (Eph 2:1-10) we are to be the examples of mature living. We have committed to forsake our old way of living and to take up a new way of living; one of maturity. And not only does God desire this for us, it’s also a standard He has for us.

Prayer Points

• Invite the Holy Spirit to show you any areas in your life where you may need to mature spiritually. Then ask for help to mature in those areas.
• Ask God to place people around you so you can share the truth, love, and characteristics of Jesus.