7 God has given his grace to each one of us measured out by the gift that is given by Christ. 8 That’s why scripture says, When he climbed up to the heights, he captured prisoners, and he gave gifts to people.
9 What does the phrase “he climbed up” mean if it doesn’t mean that he had first gone down into the lower regions, the earth? 10 The one who went down is the same one who climbed up above all the heavens so that he might fill everything.
11 He gave some apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers. 12 His purpose was to equip God’s people for the work of serving and building up the body of Christ 13 until we all reach the unity of faith and knowledge of God’s Son. God’s goal is for us to become mature adults—to be fully grown, measured by the standard of the fullness of Christ. 14 As a result, we aren’t supposed to be infants any longer who can be tossed and blown around by every wind that comes from teaching with deceitful scheming and the tricks people play to deliberately mislead others. 15 Instead, by speaking the truth with love, let’s grow in every way into Christ, 16 who is the head. The whole body grows from him, as it is joined and held together by all the supporting ligaments. The body makes itself grow in that it builds itself up with love as each one does its part.
Reflection
We are right in the heart of graduation season. In fact, tomorrow is Shawnee High School’s graduation — a particularly meaningful milestone for me, because my son is among the graduates. In just under two weeks, he’ll take the next bold step in his journey: reporting to the United States Military Academy at West Point to begin cadet basic training. Please keep him and his classmates in your prayers.
This year has been filled with significant moments for our family—milestones, celebrations, and emotions that have stretched us and reminded us of God’s constant presence.
Over the last couple of years, as my son visited colleges and considered what path to pursue, I kept coming back to one central piece of advice: Stay close to God! Listen to where God is calling you. If you do that, you are bound to succeed—not just by the world’s standards, but in the ways that truly matter. That’s the same advice I’ll give my daughter as we begin this college selection journey with her.
Paul’s words to the Ephesians echo this very idea. He reminds us that Christ has not only gifted each of us with grace, but also equipped us to serve and build up the body of Christ. Each of us has a part to play. Yet Paul also warns: if we aren’t rooted in Christ, we can be easily swayed. Like spiritual infants, we’re vulnerable to deceit, confusion, and distraction.
But the good news is this: if we stay connected to Christ—the Head of the body—we will grow. We will be held together by love. We’ll mature in faith, standing firm even through life’s storms. And as each one of us does our part, the whole body—the Church—will be built up in strength and grace. So here is my encouragement to my son, to every graduate, and to anyone stepping into a new season of life: Stay close to God! The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Let your life be anchored by God alone. No matter the challenges ahead, God will sustain you, God will guide you, and God will continue growing you in love.
by Manny Estevez
For Pondering and Prayer
Are you entering a season of change in your life? Are you staying close to God and listening to how God is guiding your decisions and actions?
Prayer: Gracious God, thank You for the grace You give so freely through Christ. Help us stay rooted in You as we face the unknowns ahead. May we grow in love, mature in faith, and faithfully use the gifts You’ve given us. Be with those graduating and those in transition—guide their steps and keep them close to You. Amen.
