Steady Does It
Scripture Reading — Ephesians 4:14-16
Speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the head, that is, Christ.
Ephesians 4:15
More than one parent has said to their child: “It’s time to grow up.” Those very words suggest that not everyone grows up at the same rate in their physical and spiritual development. Still, we all go through the same stages of infancy to adolescence to adulthood.
Growing up has its ups and downs—it’s hardly a constant course of uninterrupted improvement. Maturing to adulthood is a challenging process that requires a significant degree of intentional commitment on the part of the individual. Growing up demands that we take responsibility for our own growth.
In a society that gives top honors to individuality, it is tempting to think of maturing as mainly the process of becoming one’s own person. While that’s partly the case, we should note that Paul speaks of a more important outcome. Instead of just growing up to become uniquely ourselves, Paul invites us to “grow up into him who is the head, that is, Christ.”
The focus of spiritual growth is to become more like Jesus, to imitate him, to acknowledge that he truly is the head of everything and everyone. As the body of Christ—that is, the church—we need him to guide and direct us in all things. He is Lord over everything!
What a blessing to know that Christ is front and center in every step of our journey of personal growth.
Thank you, Lord Jesus, for giving us the capacity to grow and for encouraging us to mature to become more like you. In your name we pray. Amen.
About the author — Peter Borgdorff
Dr. Peter Borgdorff has been a pastor and administrator in the Christian Reformed Church for 40 years, most recently serving as executive director till his retirement in 2006. He and his wife, Janet, have five children and 14 grandchildren.
Start your day with quick daily devotions.
See God's love, power, presence, and purpose in your life every day!