Ephesians 4:14-16 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

This year I have endeavored to simplify my gospel message. This past week it looks like I have strayed from that purpose. It only looks that way. I realize that one of the necessary elements of growth is to be challenged. At some point in your growth in Christ you are going to take charge of your own growth process.

Ephesians 4:11-12 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

Where are your pastors and teachers of your youth? Retired? Passed on? Where did your current pastor and teacher come from? They grew into those positions. They took charge of their own growth in Christ. No one is placed into a position of responsibility unless they have proven themselves worthy.

1 Timothy 5:17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.

You may not be on the path to eldership, pastoral service or even a teacher, but that does not mean you should not take charge of your own growth in Christ.

A strength coach cannot build you up by pumping the iron for you.

Psalm 94:19 In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul.

Parts 1 and 2; I quoted Psalm 139.

Part 3; I laid out a thought process and left the results up to you.

Part 4; I revealed my thoughts to you and how it all tied back to my specific comforts in Psalm 139.

I do not expect anyone to take comfort from part 4. Those were my thoughts, my issues and my comforts came to me from God through His Word. His Word was for me.

What I do believe is that God is able to comfort you within the multitude of your own thoughts. I was willing to share with you how God works with me. That does not mean you are like me. Heaven forbid you should be burdened with the multitudes of my thoughts. You have your own.

Perhaps you didn’t see the comfort I received. That is fine. It was for me. I do believe that if you give yourself over to His ways, His plan, His perfect knowledge of your every thought, you too can be comforted by our God who loves you perfectly.

Surrendering to His Lordship is much more than just trying to find something to keep yourself busy. Yes being a doer of the Word is important, but what specifically to do can only be found in the comforts that are found in a close personal relationship.

While we look to Mary, Martha’s sister, who did the only needful thing, hanging on every Word of Jesus, let us not forget that Jesus had to get up and leave. What He told Mary to do as He departed is between them alone. Nothing in scriptures reveal what instructions were given.

And so it is with all of us!