Ephesians 4:14-15 (NIV) – “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. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.”
Have you ever felt a bridge sway in the wind? Knowing that the solid structure beneath you is moving can be a disconcerting sensation. Yet, this flexibility is intentional. Architects design bridges and tall buildings to sway because if they are too rigid, they might break under the strain of the wind. This truth about physical structures holds a profound lesson about our spiritual life. We, too, need to be sturdy in our faith yet adaptable to the changing winds of life.
Reflection
Just as a bridge is designed to withstand the forces of nature, we are called to be resilient in our faith. The Apostle Paul uses vivid imagery in Ephesians, warning us about the danger of being like infants “tossed back and forth by the waves.” Instead, we are to strive for spiritual maturity, holding firm to our faith while also remaining flexible and open to growth and change. We must develop faith that is not rigid or unyielding, but adaptable and dynamic, able to withstand the winds of change and challenge.
Takeaway
Like the bridge siding with the wind, we can stand firm in our faith while embracing flexibility. Spiritual maturity involves steadfastness in our core beliefs while showing grace and adaptability in our interactions and understandings. When we face trials and the winds of change, we can sway with the strength of a faith rooted in Christ without breaking or losing our foundation.
Action Steps
- Study: Spend time each day studying the Bible, grounding yourself in the truths of God’s Word.
- Pray: Ask God for wisdom to discern between core truths and areas where flexibility is needed.
- Reflect: Consider the areas in your life where you may need to be more flexible. Where might rigidity be hindering your spiritual growth?
- Community: Engage in discussions with fellow believers. Encourage and learn from each other’s perspectives.
- Service: Put your faith into action. Find ways to serve others that may stretch you outside of your comfort zone, helping you grow and adapt.
Conclusion
As we learn to sway with strength rooted in Christ, we can face the changing winds of life with resilience and grace.
