The Truth and Growing Up

Have you ever watched a little child playing and they cover their face with their hands and say, "You can't see me"? They're cute but  obviously naive. Infants don't see life with the maturity of an adult. Hopefully, they will grow up, mature, and realize yes, people can still see them even when they cover their face.  Infants will pretty much believe anything you tell them. But, when they grow up they begin to question if there really is a Santa Claus and an Easter Bunny. If someone is an adult and they believe anything people tell them we call them gullible. Con artists call them a mark. The awful truth is some people try to take advantage of sincere Christians. The question to ask: Is what they are saying the truth and are they saying it in love?

"Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is , Christ." Ephesians 4:15

Let's deal with the "instead". Instead of being suckers for any teaching that is more of a fad than of the faith, more what I want to hear than what I need to hear, more Christianity lite than dying to myself, instead of "every wind of teaching" (verse 14) the truth in love. 

In Romans 8:28 Paul said that "in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." In every circumstance, hardship, trial, or victory we are to grow up into Christ. Who is the Head? Christ. What "all things" are you living right now? What "all things" are you experiencing that you need to grow up into him in? God is using those "all things" to mature you in Christ. 

Now, what "all things" is your spouse growing up into at this time? You may not know. They may not know. But, they do need the truth of your love. Your husband needs your respect or your wife needs the assurance of your love. They don't need your fixing, that is the Holy Spirit's job. They need your love. 

Father, help us to speak the truth in love. Help us to grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. Praise be to you in us today!