Romans 16:25-27 (25)
25 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,
An ancient Chinese Text, “Huainanzi,” dated around 139 BC, makes reference to an instrument called a “wind-observing fan.” By the third century the Chinese were forming these instruments into the shape of birds and called them “wind-indicating birds.”
Today it is not usual to see these “weathercocks” or “weather vanes” adorning barns across the country. Some even adorn the peak of church steeples as an emblem of vigilance. Some are even formed into the shape of patron saints.
In spite of the differences, they all have one thing in common. They turn whichever way the wind blows. Some Christians are that way. They are not established spiritually. Paul refers to them as “. . . children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness.” (Ephesians 4:14) He wrote to the Thessalonians faced the same danger saying that he was praying night and day “exceedingly” that he might be able to come to them so he might perfect that which was lacking in their faith (vs 10). He went on to explain that they needed to be established unblameable in holiness. (vs. 13) Later he describes more fully the intent of his prayer in (5:23) when he says, “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
by Dr. Gayle Woods