Parents realize they only have their children in their young years for just a short period of time. It is the duty of parents to raise these "gifts from God" toward maturity, providing what the children need on this journey to adulthood. What a sense of deep joy and accomplishment to see your son or daughter "grow up."

God the Father has this same dream for His spiritual children. Notice from Eph. 4:11-16 what God has done, what we should become, and what is expected of us in our spiritual maturing process.

He has provided necessary "functions" that the church needs to do her job. They all have to do with the teaching of the Lord's word. Some include the use of miracles (apostles, prophets); others do not (evangelists, pastors, teachers). But all exist to help further the gospel. By God providing these to the church, the church is able to "make known the manifold wisdom of God" (Eph. 3:10).

Using the provisions our Father has given us will help us mature and become what He intends. We'll be "equipped for work" and "built up as the body of Christ" (v. 12). We'll "attain to the unity of the faith," the "knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man," and realize the "stature...of the fulness of Christ" (v. 13). In short, we grow up to full manhood in Christ. We'll mature into responsible spiritual adults IF we use what our Father has given us.

There is nothing more humiliating than seeing an adult still acting like a child. Using what God has given will help us not be children anymore, "tossed here and there" by religious error. We'll be grounded in truth, steadfast (v. 14). No longer babes, we'll have "grown up into Him, the head, even Christ" (v. 15). Finally, working together as a family under our Father's guidance, "by that which every joint supplies," His family will grow and be built up in love (v. 16).

Are you a part of this family? Are you using what your Father has given you? Isn't it great to have a Father like this?