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Did you see the movie The Perfect Storm? In the movie, the “Andrea Gail” fishing boat was tossed back and forth by the waves during the perfect storm. Now imagine an infant in a bassinet being tossed by the waves instead of the fishing boat – that would not be a pretty sight. Paul says we need to become mature (v. 13) and grow up (v. 15), so we will not be tossed back and forth by the waves.
What keeps us from maturing and growing spiritually? What specifically keeps you from maturing and growing?
In verse 16, Paul tells us that the whole body grows and builds itself up. Are you part of the body? Or are you a hand attempting to grow and mature independently of the body? It can seem easier to just be an independent hand or eye not having to deal with others, but “the eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I don’t need you!’” (1 Corinthians 12:22).
So, what keeps us from being part of the body? What keep others from being part of the body? How does the eye say to the hand, ‘we need you’? If you are part of the body, what will you say to the independent hands and eyes? How will you draw them into the body this week, so they will not be tossed by the waves?
“speaking the truth in love” This concept, this central theme shows me the direction I need to face in order to be a contributing part of the body. Speaking truth, the words coming out of my mouth should gloify, edify, exalt, explain, and encourage others about the truth of God’s word. In love. Love is an action word. In love is the action behind the voice. For fear of speaking words that fall onto deaf ears because my actions do not support my voice, there must be love. I believe this is the soil, water, and sunshine to grow us into the body of christ.
Mike the picture of the baby compared to the boat was neat. I was thinking about how nice it is to be rocked gently, like in a hammock on the beach. Then a mean friend comes along and shakes you violently and you fall out. Trials and tribulations shake us, to wake us up, to grow. I know I have asked “why me? why now?” thoughout the years. When I look back those are the times I have grown in a deeper understanding of who God is and who I am suppose to be. Storms come into our lives to remind us that our anchor is Christ and He rides the storm with us.
Mike,
It’s good to have you leading the teens. We haven’t talked much but I know Meredith enjoys the stuff that goes on. You have some excellent volunteers too – Ben, Kacy, Kyle, Lizzy and others.
A lot of us are going through storms right now. Paul seems to be talking about doctrinal wishy-washiness, but the verse may apply to personal storms. Certainly there’s “deceitful scheming” in the fear mongering by politicians and “the media” today. However, I’m reminded of the chorus to the song “We Have an Anchor.” It goes, “We have an anchor that keeps the soul steadfast and sure while the billows roll, fastened to the Rock which cannot move, grounded firm and deep in the Savior’s love.”
I agree with Penny that the storms are what help me grow spiritually. Even though I don’t see it at the time, the hard times strengthen my faith because I have no chance to succeed and come through ‘the storm’ without God.
On a more daily level, anger and being self-righteous stunts my spiritual growth. I find myself going along, walking in the Word until someone crosses my path from the past who gravely wronged me. It is then that I let go of God’s hand and allow anger to fill my heart. I know that keeps me from being the part of the body at that time, yet I still choose anger sometimes because I feel entitled. (Or at least that is what I tell myself at the moment to feel justified.)
So this season of Lent I will focus much more on ‘putting down the rock’ and allowing God to guide me through any storms that come along.
Thanks Mike…great words my friend. Thanks also for all you are doing for the students at CCC, as well as all the students at Campbell Middle and Campbell High Schools. Loved how you unpacked Paul’s words. It reminded me of the “economic storm” we’re going through right now…forcing us to really consider where we find hope, provision, and value. I’m a big David Wilcox fan (even if you don’t like his style of music, he has incredible lyrics)…anyway, his song “All Roots Grow Deeper When It’s Dry” really speak to what’s going on (see chorus below). I pray that my roots grow deeper in my passion for Christ, the Word, and real fellowship in the body…and that’s where I find my hope, my provision, and value. Thanks again Mike.
“Prosperity will have its seasons
Even when it’s here, it’s going by
And when it’s gone we pretend we know the reasons
And all the roots grow deeper when it’s dry.”
To hear the entire song, go to: http://www.rhapsody.com/david-wilcox/big-horizon (song #13)
success.