TRUTH THAT GROWS US UP
This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God's Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ. Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won't be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth.
Ephesians 4:13-14 (NLT)
Everyone who's been around children has heard, I can't wait to grow up! And we've heard adults say, If I knew then what I know now. Children hope for grown-up freedom, and as adults, we'd love to go back and deliver wisdom from our experiences.
The reality is: wisdom that lasts is formed through application, not information alone. It takes work, trial and error, heartache and happiness, laughter and tears, and most importantly, time with Jesus. People say knowledge is power. I believe knowledge becomes power when we put it into practice. Head knowledge about Jesus doesn't grow your relationship with Him. Applying the knowledge in your life strengthens your discernment and deepens your belief.
Unity is stressed so many times in Scripture because a strong, faith-filled community, grounded in knowledge, tested by practice, and growing in strength, keeps us from distraction. The next lie wrapped in what looks like truth will come. With unity in the body, we don't stand alone. God gave us brothers and sisters who have our backs—people who speak truth when it is needed and remain open to correction themselves.
A healthy body of believers is willing to use their gifts for the benefit of the body and the glory of Jesus.
APPLICATION: Test everything against the truth of God's Word. If it doesn't match, toss it. Replace it with a truth in Scripture.
PRAYER: God, soften my heart to Your truth, open my eyes to the enemy's lies, and remind me that in unity, I am not alone. Make me bold to point others to the truth of who You are, Jesus. Amen.
"… Our Father in heaven…" Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
• What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
"… may your name be kept holy." Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
• What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
"May your Kingdom come soon." Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
• Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
"Give us today the food we need," Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
• Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I'm around today?
"and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us" Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
• Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
"And don’t let us yield to temptation…" Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
• Is there anywhere I'm vulnerable to temptation?