Sunday 6 June, 2021

7 But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. 8 This is why it says: “When he ascended on high, he took many captives and gave gifts to his people.” 9 (What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions? 10 He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.) 11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. 14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

‘Are we there yet?’ Familiar words to anyone who has taken a child on a journey or been a child on a journey! I am reminded that my life of Faith is a journey, not a destination. Just as our life experience (hopefully) helps us grow and mature, although not all lessons are comfortable, so coming to faith in Jesus is my starting point. The ups and downs, the twists and turns are all part of the journey and the sum of my faith experience will stretch and grow and help to mature me as a believer.

In this passage even Jesus’ life was a journey, of coming to earth, living among us and then his ascension to heaven. I want to enjoy the journey that God has for me instead of being impatient that I’m not already fully transformed. I want to learn the lessons God has for me so I can keep moving forward instead of being stuck ‘circling a roundabout’. What about you?

Lord, I thank you for the example you gave us by your own life. Help me to be patient and to learn the lessons of faith that you have for me. Help me to become the person you created me to be. Help me to be a blessing to those around me. In Jesus name. Amen

Written by Christine Knight