Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. (Ephesians 4:14, 15 )
Patient Father,
As I first came to begin studying your word in earnest, I learned much and determined that much of what I was taught growing up was not quite correct. I discovered grace, which was never taught in my home church, and I learned that the New Testament was never intended to be a law book, a substitute for the Law of Moses. But though those conclusions were correct, I also became arrogant, looking down on those who had not become as "enlightened" as I had become. I did not speak the truth in love. Rather I was condescending. I was immature. I think I have progressed in this area, but I still have a ways to go. May these children not grow arrogant in their newfound knowledge of you, but may they be kind and patient with others, truly respecting them and their views, not patronizing. May they be this way both because that is what you ask of us, but because they recognize that they do not have all the answers. Certainly I pray they develop a point of view so that they are not "blown here and there by every wind of teaching", but may they also remain humble so that they will continually evaluate conclusions they have drawn. May they learn and impart truth, but with gentleness and kindness, so that others feel valued and respected.
Amen
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