STRONG IN THE WIND!

STRONG IN THE WIND!

Eph 4:11-15

11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ:

14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

          I’ve observed what I call “boutique” churches. Merriam-Webster defines boutique as “a small, fashionable specialty shop.” This is an apt description, not because some of these are small but because they specialize in one aspect of culture. I’ve seen churches that appeal to and are attended by motorcycle riders and enthusiasts. Others seem to appeal only to those who enjoy the cowboy or western culture. Are these wrong? Perhaps not, but I think they are certainly out of balance when they produce cookie-cutter followers.

          Paul desired that the Ephesians be “no more children.” The Greek word for children is nepios which literally means “not speaking.” The idea is that of an infant who has not learned to talk or walk. The goal is maturity and the ability to discern. The word “tossed” literally means “to surge or to fluctuate.” We don’t see wind. We see trees move and debris being blown about. The goal is stability.

          The word “wind” in verse 14 is actually plural and indicates data and teaching pushing in from the four quarters of the earth. Paul sees these teachings as calculated and crafted to deceive. He counters this by saying that truth should be taught plainly but with love. As a teacher I must remember that what I teach is not MY truth but HIS truth. When I present only one aspect of truth it is no longer truth. I must constantly guard against this.

          Diversity is the natural composition of a balanced church. In our church we have two kinds of people who have trouble walking. We have those who are too young and those who are too old. We love them both and both feel welcome in an atmosphere of acceptance and support. We rejoice with each step they take.

          Take a good look at your church! Do you see children, parents, and grandparents? Do the poor worship alongside the rich? Are individual distinctions and cultural differences blended into a harmonious family? Is each person moving steadily toward being conformed to the image of Christ? This, Paul said, is the goal.

Dear Lord, thank you for a church that is more like a family than a club. Alert us to any tipping point that would endanger our balance. AMEN