FIRST, GROW UP

 

Wednesday, February 28, 2024

 

FIRST, GROW UP

 

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 fulness 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:

 

          Gone are the days when a young man launched a new church with only enthusiasm and a few basic skills, oh, and God. I “started” two such churches. I even have a certificate of congratulations. I now admit that most of my contribution was about ninety percent enthusiasm and maybe ten percent skills. Or maybe it was just all God.

 

Paul entered the ministry a bit later in life and was spared the brashness of youth. In fact, most of the disciples were men of maturity who had been involved successfully in other ventures before God’s claim on their life.

 

Paul presented a past that should remain in the past and be forgotten, a present full of activity and a future of even closer association with the Master.

 

Phil 3:13-14

13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,

14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

 

Dear Lord, be close to me today – and let me be closer to you. AMEN