Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. (Eph. 4:15)
WHEN I REALIZED THAT I WANTED to be a writer when I grew up, I wanted to be a writer like Madeleine L’Engle. Imagine the thrill I felt as a Wheaton College student when I had the opportunity to take a summer writing class from Ms. L’Engle! Madeleine L’Engle was the successful author of many books, including my childhood favorite, A Wrinkle in Time. It was a thrilling course. Ms. L’Engle came every day challenging us to stretch our creativity and all the “rules” we thought we had to follow in order to write well.
She continually told us, “In order to be a writer, you have to write.” She challenged us to make the commitment to write something every day—a commitment we certainly met through her daily assignments for the class. It changed how I approached the discipline of writing. I’d hoped to find a shortcut to write well. Instead, Madeleine L’Engle showed us how important the whole writing process is, start to finish, with no step left out.
Paul encouraged the believers at Ephesus in much the same way. In order to become a great body of believers, they would need to live the whole process of individual growth. Only then could the church be mature and healthy.
Faithful students understand that “process” is required to grow into God’s desired outcome.
Ask God to grant you patience in the process of your growth.
Annie Wamberg is a recent empty-nester. She is enjoying the quiet as well as gardening and traveling.
