It is grape harvest time in the Finger Lakes of New York State right now, and my husband and staff are very busy picking!   There is a sweet smell in the autumn air, the nights are getting cooler, leaves are changing, and the grapes of this year’s labor are being homed. 

Until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.

Ephesians 4: 13-14

Just prior to beginning harvest, our staff and local winemakers pay a great deal of attention to a little thing called veraison. If you are in the viticulture industry, you are well acquainted with it!  The term “veraison” comes from the French language and is defined as “the onset of the ripening of grapes.”   Veraison is marked by a softening of the grapes, increased sugar content, changes in skin color, and the perfection of aroma and flavor.  It is representative of a distinct change in maturation.  It is only after veraison that the grapes are ready for harvest. 

Much like veraison marks a pivotal period of maturity for grapes, as Christians, there comes a time when we should experience a spiritual veraison.  Paul discusses this at length in his letter to Ephesus.  He writes, “Until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes” (Ephesians 4: 13-14). It is quite obvious that Paul is not referring to biology when he makes mention of maturing into manhood. Rather, he is placing emphasis on a spiritual growth; one so big that we begin to experience life in the fullness of Christ. 

No human will ever live up to the perfection of Christ.  But we can move toward living with the help of the Holy Spirit.  It takes a single moment in time to receive Jesus as our Lord and Savior.  Yet it can take a lifetime to achieve the fullness of life that God intended for us in Him here on earth.  Much like my desire for my own children to grow up and mature into adulthood, the Lord desires for all of us to attain a similar level of spiritual maturity; one that is overflowing in goodness and lacking in nothing. 

And so, how do we do that?   Well, it’s not much different than the work the vineyardist does to bring about a plentiful harvest. 

First, say yes to the job.  Accept Christ as your personal savior.  Salvation is available for everyone.  Then, you must be attentive to your spiritual self, intentional with your inputs, and consistent with growth. 

ATTENTIVE TO SPIRITUAL SELF:  Are you living by the Spirit or your flesh?  Your thoughts and feelings are real, but what is driving your decision making…the Holy Spirit or your feelings?  It should be the Holy Spirit.  This can be SO challenging.  I get it!  It requires obedience even when you don’t feel like it.  But it is one of the best places you can live and will move you more and more toward the fullness of Christ each day “so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine.” (Ephesians 4: 14)

INTENTIONAL WITH YOUR INPUTS:  Are you continually growing in the wisdom of a biblical worldview?  This is crucial!  It is our own responsibility to do “all the things” that will help us grow into healthy mature Christians.  Understanding the Bible, fellowship with other Christians, laying boundaries around negative cultural influences, and spending time with the Lord are all daily inputs that will mature us.

CONSISTENT WITH GROWTH:  Are you moving forward or backward?  We should always be moving forward.  As author James Clear writes in his book Atomic Habits, shoot for 1% better every day.  Consistent improvements over time will add up to remarkable results!  Get involved in your local church, join a bible study, read books….whatever it may be for you, do it!

Considering Paul’s letter to the Ephesians was written almost 2000 years ago, the message of Ephesians is still incredibly relevant!  It’s time to get serious and take up our cross and follow Jesus daily so that we may reach the maturity that Paul writes about in Ephesians.

How can you become 1% better today?