Just think of it for a moment - What would it be like if together we were "attaining the whole measure of the fullness of Christ" (vs. 13b) as a community of Christ followers. Can you picture what that would look like? Can you imagine how fun that would be to be walking with others as we are "attaining the whole measure of the fullness of Christ? Read that again - "the whole measure of the fullness of Christ"!! According to Paul in these verses, when the leadership equips the body for ministry and has this as the goal, the local body moves in ministry deeper in real unity into the fullness of Christ. This is not some "pie in the sky" thought, but it can truly be a reality. I want to live with others in this pursuit and walk in this kind of depth in community. Why not as this is Christ's design for his body - his design and it is what he longs for us to experience. Do we want to experience it? We can do church where it is all based in tradition, going through the motions, and faking our authenticity by playing church. That is an option that sadly, to many of us embrace, and it is not the way that we can reach the whole measure of Christ's fullness. Do we want the whole measure? Or what is it that we actually want?
Living in the freedom of his fullness results in these things:
1. We will no longer live as children (vs. 14a)
His description of what happens to spiritual infants is that they have no foundation that brings any kind of security in their lives. Without spiritual maturity, then people will be tossed back and forth following all kinds of teaching that is labeled "Christianity", but it is not. This teaching is done by "Posers" who claim to know God, but those leaders are in it for their self gain. Again, God want us to become mature in Christ and that will come from living our faith for him in obedience.
2. We will embrace solid doctrine (vs. 14b)
Knowing the truth means that we are not swayed even by the slickest speaker or manipulator. The direct opposite of being tossed to and fro is that we stand firm in the midst of the waves and winds of bad doctrine and embrace the true truths of the scripture.
3. We will speak the truth in love (vs. 15)
A sure sign of the spiritual maturity of our lives and in the life of the church is the depth in which "we speak the truth in love", not in anger or in pretense. Speaking the truth in love in community shows that we are growing up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. Because we love one another, we speak the truth to one another, but it is always to be done in love.
4. We will live in a healthy functioning church (vs. 16)
Paul summarizes here what this healthiness looks like.
a. Everyone feels joined and held together - There is a support system
b. The growth of the church is built up by the love for God and for one another
c. Each part does their part in ministry.
The local body does not just rely on the "paid" staff, but each person owns the ministry of their local body.
To live in a body of believers like this is an amazing thing. Not so easy to build and develop,
but worth every effort to build and live this kind of church life described.
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