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 people in their deceitful scheming.
Ephesians 4:14 NIV
We’ve seen earlier that God’s intention is the perfecting and the full equipping of the saints. This is so that we can do the work of ministry – building the body of Christ. Meanwhile, God gave us spiritual gifts to equip us with the grace and gifts necessary for us to function properly.
However, we must see to it that whatever gift God has bestowed upon us is effectively and efficiently put to work. By this we will experience spiritual growth and come into maturity. Simply put, our spiritual maturity manifests as we put the grace of God in our life to use. In other words, the effective use of spiritual gifts leads to spiritual growth and maturity.
Then we will no longer be like babies. We will not be people who are always changing like a ship that the waves carry one way and then another. We will not be influenced by every new teaching we hear from people who are trying to deceive us—those who make clever plans and use every kind of trick to fool others into following the wrong way.
Ephesians 4:14 ERV
As we grow in our faith through the use of our spiritual gifts and deepen our understanding of God’s Word, we no longer remain spiritual infants. By grounding ourselves in Christ and embracing His truth, we become rooted and firm, unshaken by the winds of deceit.
Maturity in Christ requires vigilance and discernment. It demands that we carefully examine every teaching and belief presented to us, measuring them against the unchanging standard of God’s Word. As we develop spiritual discernment, we can identify false doctrines and resist their allure.
Spiritual maturity is a lifelong journey, an intentional process of growing closer to Christ and becoming more Christ-like. It is not merely gaining knowledge but actively applying that knowledge in our lives. By doing so, we cultivate a solid foundation for our faith, one that will withstand the trials and temptations that come our way.
But instead, we will remain strong and always sincere in our love as we express the truth. All our direction and ministries will flow from Christ and lead us deeper into him, the anointed Head of his body, the church. For his “body” has been formed in his image and is closely joined together and constantly connected as one. And every member has been given divine gifts to contribute to the growth of all; and as these gifts operate effectively throughout the whole body, we are built up and made perfect in love.
Ephesians 4:15-16 TPT
Effective spiritual gifts fosters maturity in the body of Christ. Spiritual maturity is the destination, achieved through Christ’s love and truth. By firmly anchoring ourselves in Christ and His Word, we can stand firm amid the shifting tides of this world. Let us strive to become mature believers, grounded in truth, and unwavering in our love for Christ.
