June 08, 2019: SOAP #3474:  Ecclesiastes 7-9; Ephesians 4

Scripture:  Ephesians (NIV) 4:14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming.

Observation:  When we first come to Christ, we are spiritual infants.   We know little about God.  Our experience in following the ways of the world is much greater than our experience in following the ways of Christ.

God is very interested in our growth.  The previous verses in this passage (8-13) tell us that God has given gifts to the church to help us grow and mature.  These gifts are people that God has placed in the church to teach us and guide us as we grow in Christ.  They set examples and encourage us as we get involved in the ministry God has for us.

Application:   Infants are attracted by many things.  They need parents to help them focus on what is good and safe.  (I still have a small scar on my hand from not following my mothers warning about a hot stove.)

There are many winds of Christianized teachings blowing out from TV and radio today.  There are many waves that are so enticing to surfers who like to try this church, then that church.  But I need to be careful and listen to the Spirit anointed pastors and teachers God has placed in the body of believers where God has me.

Prayer:  Holy Spirit, you have placed me in your church where I can best glorify you.  Stop me from running off after some new apostle, teacher, evangelist who has something to entice me away from my spiritual home.  Help me mature where I am planted.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!