Scripture:  Ephesians 4:13-24     Commentary

He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love (Ephesians 4:16, NLT).

Observation:

Paul wants the believers, united in Christ, to live so that each individual matures. The pronoun we occurs repeatedly. We come to unity in faith, and we will be mature in Christ (v.13). We are not blown about by new teaching nor influenced by clever lies (v.14). We will speak the truth in love, and we continue growing in every way more and more like Christ (v.15). The body’s health depends on each member loving, growing, doing his or her work, rejecting evil, and being renewed by the Spirit.

Application:

I want to be part of a body of believers that “is healthy and growing and full of love.” To have this, I must embrace the “we” that is pursuing Christ’s truth and growing in love. As with a child’s development, growth impacts the whole body. Failure of individual parts to grow causes the body to be misshapen. By my putting on my new nature with its Spirit-renewed thoughts and attitudes, my community of believers becomes more and more like Christ.

Prayer:

Father, forgive me for placing the body at risk by refusing to let the Spirit mature me. Renew my thoughts and attitudes and fill me with love for the body. Give me your strength to overcome temptation and your wisdom to discern your truth. Empower me to do the special work you have given me to do within the body. Grow your church and grow me to be more like your Son, in whose name we pray, Amen.