Scaffolding Spiritual Growth

Have you ever heard of the words ullage, spalling or a kerf?  Neither have I!  Every profession has its own language, and teaching is no exception.

I remember learning words like “scaffolding,” not to be confused with the scaffolding used in construction, and “metacognition,” and initially thinking, huh?!  Not exactly conversational words the everyday person uses.

So imagine my surprise when those were the exact two words that came to mind as I read through the book of Ephesians!  Ephesians is all about spiritual growth, which is really all scaffolding and metacognition are about—awareness, training and growth.   

I love when Paul declares, “How blessed is God!  And what a blessing he is!  Long before he laid down the earth’s foundations, he had us in mind, had settled on us as a focus of his love, to be made whole and holy by his love.  Because of the sacrifice of the Messiah, his blood poured out on the altar of the Cross, we’re free people.  And not just barely free, either.  Abundantly free!  He thought of everything, provided for everything we could possibly need.  It’s in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for” (Ephesians 1:3-11, MSG).

This incredible provision we are given in Christ?  Well, that’s the scaffolding.  Scaffolding in education is the practice of providing temporary support to help a learner accomplish something they couldn't do independently yet — then gradually removing that support as their skills grow. 

I have experienced that spiritual scaffolding time and time again throughout my life.  It came in the godly relationships I gained and all I have learned—and continue to learn—from the faith of those around me.  The challenges, the support and encouragement, even the rare but necessary rebukes came from a place of deep love for me, and a heart from others to help me grow forward on my spiritual journey.

Or, as the Bible puts it, God gives people specific roles within the church to help scaffold our spiritual growth, so that we may “reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants … Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body … of Christ” (Ephesians 4:11-15, NIV).

Even more importantly, God’s Word has supported me in ways that are hard to describe.  It’s in the verse that springs to mind when I’m facing a challenging situation or person.  Or in the way those words evaporate the lies about my identity and worth the enemy throws my way. 

The more I learn to embrace the truth, the more supported and strengthened I feel.  I can see the effect of implementing the Word of God in my day-to-day life, and I look back and see the growth. 

Even looking back serves a purpose in our faith journey.  When we look back on all the ways the Lord’s words have not only proven true but transformed our lives, it becomes easier to trust Him as we move forward to the next season.   

Which leads me to metacognition, or thinking about your own thinking.  The more I grow in my ability to monitor, evaluate and regulate my thoughts and what triggers them, the more I experience the Holy Spirit’s transformative power. 

Paul encourages us in Ephesians 6:13-18, “Be prepared.  You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own.  Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet.  Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words.  Learn how to apply them.  You’ll need them throughout your life.  God’s Word is an indispensable weapon.  In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare.  Pray hard and long.  Pray for your brothers and sisters.  Keep your eyes open.”

I am continuing to learn how to keep my eyes open.  To slow down enough to ask myself things like, “Do I actually understand this?  What’s really tripping me up?  What should I try differently as a disciple of Jesus?”

Asking these important questions about my thinking is the very thing that helps me to become mature and complete. 

Perhaps scaffolding and metacognition aren’t such strange words for the Christian life after all. God lovingly supports our growth through His Word, His Spirit and the people He places around us. At the same time, He teaches us to pay attention to what is happening within us—to recognize the thoughts shaping our choices and continually bring them back under the light of His truth.

Of course, God is not preparing us to become independent of Him. Spiritual maturity means learning to depend upon Him more deeply and intentionally. It means recognizing lies sooner, reaching for truth more quickly, receiving correction more humbly and applying what He has taught us more faithfully.

We may never reach the point where we have nothing left to learn, but as we keep our eyes open and our hearts teachable, God will continue His patient work within us—transforming the way we think, the way we live and the way we reflect Christ to the world around us. And that is a lesson worth learning.

FOR FURTHER THOUGHT

I love how the last chapter of Ephesians says, “And that about wraps it up.  God is strong, and he wants you strong.  So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials.  And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way” (6:10-11, MSG).

It’s so important to make space for spiritual growth!  The most important way we do that is not by trying harder, but by spending time with our Creator.  Read the Word.  Pray throughout your day.  Ask yourself the challenging questions.  Invite the Holy Spirit to move in your life. 

This week, consider reading the list of spiritual weapons God has laid at your disposal in the rest of Ephesians 6.  And just as importantly, spend time meditating on how to use these weapons practically in your everyday life. 

Ask yourself questions like, “What do I need to grow in?  How am I resisting God?  Is there an area in my life that I don’t trust God in, and what might God say to me about it?" Taking time to understand your thinking is time well spent.

Spiritual growth begins with a willing heart—one that is willing to listen, examine and respond. As you make space for God this week, trust Him to show you not only where growth is needed, but also how faithfully He has already equipped you for it.

PRAYER

Lord, how amazing You are!  I am so grateful You never leave me unsupported.  You are always by my side, sheltering me in the shadow of your wings.  Thank You for making me the focus of Your love and for choosing me.  I stand before You and ask that You make me intelligent and discerning in knowing You personally, so my eyes may be opened wide.  Grow me in the ability to see exactly what You are calling me to , to grasp the immensity of Your glorious way of life and trust in the utter extravagance of Your work in me.  In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen. 

ABOUT BARB LOWNSBURY

Barb has sat in the hard places — and she's learned how to shine anyway. As a speaker, author, and entrepreneur, she brings a rare combination of real-life grit and practical wisdom to every stage she steps on. She's spoken at conferences and taught classes across the U.S. on faith, relationships, leadership, and finding courage in the middle of trials. Her book, Using What's Broken to Boldly Shine, is a journey through transformation — proof that the cracks in our story don't disqualify us, they shape us. Barb holds degrees in International History, Education, and a Master's in Education, and serves as Executive Director and Editor of The Dented Fender Ministry. She also runs a successful real estate and development company alongside her husband in Lebanon, Ohio.

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