So that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine… rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up.

~ Ephesians 4:14 15 ~

A vivid memory from my time in the Air Force keeps coming back to me. We were practicing in low visibility in rural Germany (Büchel - 1989) at dusk, navigating unfamiliar terrain under mounting pressure. Everything seemed correct on paper—landmarks matched, instruments confirmed our location, and the plan felt solid. Yet, I had a strange feeling that something wasn't quite right. It wasn’t fear, but a sense of discernment. I paused and said, “Hold up. Something doesn’t match.” Some colleagues rolled their eyes, trusting their eyes to tell the truth. But experience has taught me that what looks obvious can sometimes be a trap. When we slowed down and listened carefully, we realized the terrain had subtly shifted, which could have easily misled us. Moving forward would have been disastrous. So, we decided to stop, avoiding what could have been a catastrophe. 

That valuable lesson has stuck with me for more than twenty years of military training and combat. It has taught me to trust my instincts and focus on details once I have mastered the basics, and to manage my feelings through understanding, character development, and knowing how to proceed. 

Spiritually, we're surrounded by a rich tapestry of information, images, opinions, and performances. Everything is carefully curated, filtered, and polished to catch our eye. It's easy to be subtly influenced into thinking that if something looks, sounds, and feels right, then it must be true. But Scripture wisely warns us against this, reminding us not to be like children easily swayed by every new idea. Instead, we're encouraged to speak the truth in love and continue growing in maturity, emphasizing the need to develop spiritual discernment to trust God's truth over deception.

Discernment is the difference between maturity and manipulation.

Jesus speaks to this point clearly when He says, “Judge not.” He's not asking us to be indifferent or uninvolved. Instead, He’s gently cautioning us to look beyond the surface—encouraging us not to mistake outward appearances for the truth or falsely equate performance with genuine character. And then there’s doubting Thomas in the Bible.

After the resurrection, Thomas expresses what many of us secretly feel: “Unless I see, I won’t believe.” Jesus responds with grace—showing patience and understanding-but also gently offers correction: “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (John 20:29) This serves as a comforting reminder that trusting God calls for humility and a willingness to be guided, creating a warm and safe space for us to grow.

Faith isn’t about pretending something is true. It’s about trusting God wholeheartedly enough to face the truth—whether it’s uncomfortable, unseen, or inconvenient. When conflicting messages come our way, hold onto the fact that God's truth stays steady and unchanging. Keep trusting in His Word and His promises, which serve as a firm foundation for growth. Even when others doubt or life feels uncertain, this trust in God's Word nurtures resilience and deepens our spiritual understanding.

Here’s a helpful insight: the real challenge comes from lies disguised as truths—whether they are half-truths, emotional truths, cultural, or even religious ones. These can seem polished on the surface but lack real substance inside. To spot them, it’s crucial to compare everything with Scripture, seek the Holy Spirit's guidance, and ask yourself, 'Does this truly align with God's Word objectively and subjectively? The double-edged sword of the Spirit in the Bible.' Relying on the Holy Spirit helps us stay alert against spiritual deception and stand confidently in God's truth.

In times of war, having good judgment can keep you safe, and in everyday life, it helps you stay connected to Jesus, our leader in the great battle. Today, take a little time to slow down. Listen more carefully, look a little closer at what's shown to you, and ask thoughtful questions that bring you clarity. Remember, God isn’t looking for you to perform perfectly or react quickly—He values honesty and patience. When you hold onto the truth, it becomes your strongest tool, giving you confidence in every step you take.

As always, as we fight together, understand, God is here. God is able. Good is good!

Pastor Drake