A Word from Hebrews 5 and 6

The last time you went out to eat, what did you order? Is there any chance that you asked for a jar of baby food, a piece of melba toast, and bottle of warm milk? Probably not. There might’ve been a time in your life when a meal like that would’ve been desirable and nutritious. But you’re not a baby anymore. And the things that your body needs now have changed. And if that’s true in your physical life, isn’t it also true in your spiritual life?

Well, in today’s word from Hebrews 5 and 6, one of God’s teachers reminds us to seek out a spiritual diet that will provide what we really need. “We have much to say about this,” the teacher begins, “but it’s 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. Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity.” (Heb. 5:11-6:1)

Now, let’s be clear. This doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t keep revisiting the foundational truths and practices that make us followers of Jesus. But if we’re not taking steps to expand our appreciation of those truths—and to move deeper into the disciplines that shape us in the image of Christ—well, then we’re probably not moving “forward to maturity” in the way that our Father desires.

So today, why not treat yourself to hearty, spiritual meal? Through worship and prayer—through study and ministry—may you grow in Christ, so that God’s goodness can live in you – and be expressed through you. Amen.