Instead
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.
Ephesians 4:15 NIV
Reading Ephesians this morning I was drawn to the word that starts the 15th verse. It is one of those words that we can just rush by in reading or, like it did this morning, make you stop and really think about what it is being said. Paul is saying we should do something instead of something else. He is saying that we should speak the truth in love and grow and mature and become like Christ. Instead of, if we read the previous verses, not maturing or growing up and just going with the flow and listening to whatever teaching is popular for the day.
He is saying try something different than what you are doing. Instead of doing what everyone else is doing, instead of doing what feels good to me, instead of being immature in the faith, grow up. Instead of acting like everyone else be like Christ. Instead of doing what the world wants you to do be what Christ is calling you to be.
Instead.
Things can be different.
We have another choice.
The other option is one that we often fail to grasp hold of and claim for our lives. We can allow God to do a work in us to make us grow and mature and be like Jesus. To make our heart, mind, and character like Jesus. I chose love.
Love today instead of not loving.
Care for others instead of just looking out for yourself.
Spend time recognizing that God is with you today instead of just hurrying through the day.
Live today instead of existing.
Grow today instead of being stagnant and unchanged.
Love today.
In Christ's love and mine,
Doug
Ephesians 4:15 NIV
Reading Ephesians this morning I was drawn to the word that starts the 15th verse. It is one of those words that we can just rush by in reading or, like it did this morning, make you stop and really think about what it is being said. Paul is saying we should do something instead of something else. He is saying that we should speak the truth in love and grow and mature and become like Christ. Instead of, if we read the previous verses, not maturing or growing up and just going with the flow and listening to whatever teaching is popular for the day.
He is saying try something different than what you are doing. Instead of doing what everyone else is doing, instead of doing what feels good to me, instead of being immature in the faith, grow up. Instead of acting like everyone else be like Christ. Instead of doing what the world wants you to do be what Christ is calling you to be.
Instead.
Things can be different.
We have another choice.
The other option is one that we often fail to grasp hold of and claim for our lives. We can allow God to do a work in us to make us grow and mature and be like Jesus. To make our heart, mind, and character like Jesus. I chose love.
Love today instead of not loving.
Care for others instead of just looking out for yourself.
Spend time recognizing that God is with you today instead of just hurrying through the day.
Live today instead of existing.
Grow today instead of being stagnant and unchanged.
Love today.
In Christ's love and mine,
Doug
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