G. K. Chesterton was a gifted author known for his depth of thinking. He wrote about the difference between our perception of progress and true growth in an article titled “The Romance of Rhyme,” saying, “The fatal metaphor of progress, which means leaving things behind us, has utterly obscured the real idea of growth, which means leaving things inside us.” 

Chesterton’s words speak to our culture today and to our culture of faith. There is a difference between progress and growth. We shouldn’t assume that because we are advancing in knowledge, we are growing in wisdom. Could it be that our abundance of information has progressed our cumulative knowledge but stunted our spiritual growth? 

Paul helped to establish the Christian church in Ephesus, a leading first-century city famous for its advanced and educated culture. His words to that group of people speak directly to our culture today. 

Paul taught them it was necessary to speak the truth but to speak it with the love of Christ as their motivation. The truth was necessary for people to “grow up in every way” into an accurate and obedient relationship with Christ as their Lord. Without the truth, people cannot know God because God is truth. Without love, they won't choose God because God is love. 

Paul taught the church in Ephesus, and the church today, to teach God’s truth motivated by the love of Christ. G. K. Chesterton taught that progress meant leaving things behind us while growth is marked by what we keep inside. 

When we speak God’s truth with love, we “grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ.” God’s truth is the source of our spiritual growth as we progress through our lives. 

The Lord gives wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. Keep growing in the Lord and you will speak his truth with his love.