We must stop acting like children. We must not let deceitful people trick us by their false teachings, which are like winds that toss us around from place to place. Love should always make us tell the truth. Then we will grow in every way and be more like Christ, the head of the body. Christ holds it together and makes all of its parts work perfectly, as it grows and becomes strong because of love.
Ephesians 4:14-16 (CEV)
I have received several comments on Friday’s devotion “I am a Big Girl Christianâ€. Thanks for writing! Some said they had trouble being a big girl/boy Christian! (It’s good to be among a crowd of witnesses! Hebrews 11-12) Others asked what was the definition or gave thoughts about what was a big girl/boy Christian.
Paul tells us it’s about not being deceived by false teachings. That implies to me that I actively study the Bible both personally and corporately. I spend time each day reading and listening to God’s Word. I also listen to preachers and teachers and then ‘digging’ in to what is taught and using the reason that God gave me to learn and weigh what I have been taught. And does the teaching line up with God’s Word in context from Old through New Testament.
Paul says it’s about love. Jesus showed love and compassion to all and yet always told the truth. I sometimes think that I cannot be totally truthful because I will hurt someone with the truth. It’s about my heart. Jesus’ heart was always pure. He had no hidden agenda; no spite or jealousy. As I grow into more like Jesus, keeping my eyes on Jesus as my standard, then my heart will also grow in its purity. I am looking at others as God’s children and He puts His compassion into me and it flows through me. And truth will be about love.
I grew up going to church. That was it. There was no relationship with God. In 1995 God, in His faithfulness, welcomed me with open arms. His prodigal daughter finally realized that her way was not the best way! For me that was a big girl decision. I was not ever going back to the old me. Fourteen years later, I can say that there have been some tough, really tough times and I have cried out to God and even shaken my fist at Him! But I am and always will be committed to Jesus! That has never been a question in my mind. I am His and He is mine.
All that is good but then it must translate to the Church. In that too, Jesus wants to ‘grow me up’ and not be deceived or forget Christ’s love. It means keeping my focus on Jesus’ plan and listening to His voice. If I am serving then I am not focused on my ego. If I want Jesus to get the credit for what works then I am not going to walk out because the piano gets moved or the carpet is not what I chose.
God is the best! He sees me as what I will be when He gets me grown! He will continue to guide, give His wisdom in the amount I need, and He will discipline me with consequences and love. Each day is a new day to grow into the mature Christian that God believes I can be…a Big Girl Christian.
