“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; but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:”
Ephesians 4:14-15 KJV
In a few instances in the Bible, God instructs us to be like children. Specifically Matthew 18:3 when he states “and said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.”
In this passage in Matthew God was instructing those who claimed to be Christians that their views were wrong. They were looking for high offices and prestige and in that case God was advising them to be like children in the aspect that children are gentle, usually absent of pride, which means they are humble, therefore TEACHABLE! God was instructing them that their views were wrong and in order to make it to heaven they needed to discard them and hear the true teaching of God.
However, in Ephesians 4:14, God is instructing us to “Grow Up,” in the spiritual aspect; don’t be like children. On this side of the coin, God advises that because children are humble and docile that they are also easily persuaded.
We have to be mature and settled in our doctrine or principles of God by reading the Word, praying and listening for God’s voice. When we are not settled in what we believe, we are persuaded through our emotions or how we feel and therefore we are “carried away by every wind of doctrine.” Salvation is not a feeling. It doesn’t matter how we feel, living for God or salvation is a choice.
It’s funny, one of the commentary written by Matthew Henry on another Scripture stated, “True Believers are the wheat, useful and substantial in value. Hypocrites are chaff, empty and/or light.”
If you know anything about weight, you realize the lighter something is, the easier it is to pick up. In the words of my amazing students, “get your weight up!” Believers, it’s time for us to “get our weight up.” It’s time to Grow Up in God. ♥️
