Connecting Point: Maturity Matters

Have you ever had a break in your train of thought? I’m not referring to one of those forgetful moments either, those occur for a variety of reasons. I’m talking about a moment when you pause from your line of reasoning by taking a short Segway to communicate another valuable thought. Well, Bible authors have written in a similar fashion often, all for an important purpose. We find this to be the case in the later verses of Hebrews 5 continuing into chapter 6.

“We have much to say about this, but it is hard to make it clear to you because you no longer try to understand. In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil, (Hebrews 5:11-14). Continued…“Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, instruction about cleansing rites, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And God permitting, we will do so,” (Hebrews 6:1-3).

One can take these words as condemnation or correction. The intentions of the author are corrective in nature but for all the rightful reasons and in a manner that is respectful. I fear that we can easily mistake correction as something negative or harmful when in fact such action is done out of genuine love and concern. Christians in general no matter the first century or the 21st century don’t like to be called “babes.” However, if the shoe fits the truth matters, maturity matters.

The principle of truly following Jesus requires maturity on the journey not simply shrinking back or falling away. The author was very concerned for those Hebrew Christians who were questioning their faith so much so, that turning away was on their mind. Why start a journey to only give up? No, no, no- when we repent of our sins and Christ redeems us the key is to persevere, to never give up, and develop grit!

Elementary teachings provide a strong foundation of Biblical faith to insure that we stay on track in the truth. Evidently, the Hebrew author felt this to be an important matter; some were struggling in their new found faith and most likely wanted to turn back to Judaism or walk away from God entirely.

The text is clear while “milk” is necessary the goal is to move onto to “solids”. All of this leads me to our application: Where do you find yourself on the journey of following Jesus, infancy or continued maturity? There is pattern conveyed throughout the New Testament; lost, salvation-discipleship-leadership. Note the text, “…by this time you ought to be teachers.” Salvation is the free gift of God given to anyone who repents but one must also persevere and grow. You and I were never intended just to be saved and punch a ticket to get into heaven, that’s all elementary. God intends for us to mature and take that free gift, to train others and share such a great gift with others.