[When available, audio recordings of these devotions are posted at http://www.redeemerclc.info/audio-devotions]
Ephesians 4:14-15 ... 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, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head--Christ ...
GROW UP IN CHRIST
What does it mean to grow up? Does it mean to move from kindergarten to grade school to junior high to high school and college, and, finally, to get a job? Growing up is more than just physical. Growing up is a maturing process. It means that we stop relying on our parents for everything and we take responsibility for ourselves, and make decisions based on what is right, instead of what is easy. As believers in Christ, we are, throughout our lives, growing up in Christ.
Paul tells us that, "When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things" (1 Corinthians 13:11). As children we see our friends staying home on Sunday, doing what they want to do, instead of what God wants them to do. And we envy them. They seem to be having such fun! But as we mature, we understand more and more why God wants so much more for us than the pleasures of this world. As we mature, we see people struggling with lives of sin, not knowing where to turn as their fun turns into problems that affect their lives. And we thank God that, through His Word, He guides us so that we are growing up in truth and love poured out on us in Christ our Savior -- knowing where to go when our sins oppress us; knowing where to turn when life is difficult; knowing where we are going, not only in this world, but when we die.
Thine forever! Thou our Guide,
All our wants by Thee supplied,
All our sins by Thee forgiven;
Lead us, Lord, from earth to heaven.
(The Lutheran Hymnal, 338:5)
