Proverbs 1:22. “How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple?
Like we’ve said, everyone starts off simple. We are all born fools. Simple fools. The problem is when we stay that way. Solomon’s question is profound, “How long will you love being simple.” He attributes our foolishness to desire. We like being simple. Like a spiritual Peter Pan, we don’t want to grow up in Christ. We’re happy right where we are.
Throughout history the church has been complicit in creating Christian simpletons. No need to read scripture in your own language. Just listen to you priest, bishop, pastor. And don’t ask too many questions. Blind faith is all you need. You don’t need to study the Bible, just read this short devotional.
Wait, what?
When Christ made his home in your heart he did not miraculously zap you with all wisdom, knowledge, and insight into all the mysteries of God. Yes, he gave you everything you need for life and godliness, but as a seed. A seed that needs to be cultivated. A grace that we need to grow up into.
2 Peter 3:18. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Together we are to grow up into Christ. Into his truth and into his love. How? By speaking these things to one another.
Ephesians 4:15. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ.
There is no crash course in spiritual growth. No short cuts to Christ-likeness. But the great thing about union with Christ is that he not only forgives us for our foolishness, but he also helps us to not be a simple fool any longer. He is our teacher, our master, our guide. We are his disciples, his followers, walking in his footsteps of love and obedience together. Speaking and modeling truth and love to one another. Ever growing out of our simplicity and deeper into his wisdom.
Do you love that idea? The idea of growth? Or will you continue to love your simplicity?
You: Are you simple and loving it? In what ways?
You in Christ: In Christ you have the seed of his wisdom growing inside of you. Why must all spiritual growth begin with believing this truth?
Christ in you: As you look back over several months can you see your own growth into Christ-likeness? How can you help others to grow in Christ-likeness?
Pray: Father, you want me to grow into the likeness of your Son. Help me to learn him by faith more and more each day, without being either gullible or arrogant. Amen.
To Live is Christ 