Dear CCPC Family,

"We must no longer be children, tossed to and fro and blown about
by every wind of doctrine...
but speaking truth in love we must grow up in every way into Him
Who is the head, into Christ."
-Ephesians 4:14-15

How many times have I thought, "Oh, grow up!" When others whine or complain; when commentary grows small, one-sided and petty in nature; when selfish and territorial behavior abounds; we clearly recognize the immaturity before us. Recognizing our own immaturity is another thing altogether!

The author of Ephesians urges each of us to grow up -- to stop behaving as children -- and to become more "Christ-like." Notice that such maturity has everything to do with the truth; knowing the truth and staying rooted in the truth.

Spiritual maturity begins with understanding the love of God poured out for us in Jesus Christ, and allowing that love to become a benchmark and power source for our lives. We are not Christ -- we are not perfect. But we can grow; we can stand fast; we can let the truth of the Gospel open our hearts and our lives, and we need not remain child-like in our relationships with God and with each other. In fact, the author of Ephesians suggests that anyone in Christ by definition continually grows and matures!

I wonder how our families and our church might change if we truly valued spiritual maturity. What if we focused upon measuring our "growth" in love, in commitment, and in ability to articulate the truth of the Gospel -- not just in dollar signs and volunteer hours. I keep hearing Ephesians 4:15, We must grow up in every way into Christ...

Our work has just begun!

God help us -- give us the sight to recognize our own childishness --
give us love enough to focus on things other than self.
Grant growth -- true growth of spirit and love that comes from following our Savior.
Amen.

Dr. Stacy L. Ikard
Associate Pastor