Ephesians 4:14 That we may be no longer little children tossed by waves and carried about by every wind of teaching in the sleight of men, in craftiness with a view to a system of error, (15) But holding to truth in love, we may grow up into Him in all things, who is the Head, Christ,
Perhaps you are wondering what the waves and the winds are. They are the various teachings, doctrines, concepts, and opinions. As the church is journeying on the sea, Satan will seek an opportunity to send in some appealing teachings, concepts, and opinions to entice the believers.
His purpose in doing so is to carry them away from Christ and the church [His Body]. At the time of Paul, certain Judaizers taught the Old Testament in an enticing manner. Their teaching was related to certain practices that had been ordained by God in the Old Testament [such as the dietary laws, and the keeping of Sabbath].
It was difficult for the babes in Christ to discern the subtleties of these appealing teachings. The principle is the same today, but now there are even more distracting teachings, concepts, and opinions [such as “sightings” of Mary, ways of baptism, the necessity of having miraculous gifts, etc.] All these have a pleasant and positive appearance.
Otherwise, no one could be cheated by them. Thus, many today are being tossed by waves and carried about by winds of teaching. This kind of subtle teaching causes you to lose your appetite for Christ.
Through its influence, you are no longer as hungry and thirsty for Christ as you once were. [It can also cause you to disregard the oneness of His Body, promoting divisiveness in His Body].