Tossed About

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Tubing with Papa definitely affords the possibility of being "tossed about!"

September 1

Unveiling this photo from my camera well, the phrase tossed about immediately entered my mind and I sought out help from help Biblegateway to find the reference which had been triggered.  In Ephesians chapter 4:11-16 Paul's teaching and instruction on how we are to grow up in the "fullness of Christ" brings godly advice.

"So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teacher, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 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 fullness of Christ.
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.  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.  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.

The Message has this take on what we should be taught...
"No prolonged infancies among us please.  We'll not tolerate babes in the woods, small children who are an easy mark for imposters.  God wants us to grow up, to know the whole truth and tell it in love-like Christ in everything.  We take our lead from Christ, who is the source of everything we do.  He keeps us in step with each other.  His very breath and blood flow through us, nourishing us so that we will grow up healthy in God, robust in love."

So another great reminder this life isn't about us, it's about what we are called to do through and for Christ.  How will we live today?  Not in our strength and driven by our own longing and desires, but by what the Spirit is calling us to do through his power and for the name of Jesus.

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