Blake Allen
Dunbar Cave Campus Pastor
Hebrews 5:11-14
11 We have a great deal to say about this, and it is difficult to explain, since you have become too lazy to understand. 12 Although by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the basic principles of God’s revelation again. You need milk, not solid food. 13 Now everyone who lives on milk is inexperienced with the message about righteousness, because he is an infant. 14 But solid food is for the mature—for those whose senses have been trained to distinguish between good and evil.
This past Sunday we talked about growing up spiritually. It made me think about the times I’ve heard the phrases “grow up” or “it’s time to grow up.” Maybe you have even heard the phrase “act your age, not your shoe size.” Usually this is said in a situation where someone is acting childishly.
There is a time when we have to leave the childish ways behind and go on to maturity. The author of Hebrews affirms this is the case. When we place faith in Christ we begin a relationship with Him. We are infants in the faith at the beginning of salvation. And as we continue to walk with Jesus we should grow in our prayer life, our devotional life, our understanding of God’s word, our ability to share the gospel verbally with others, our giving and serving life, etc. We start with the basics of our faith but then we hunger for more.
But what often happens in our church culture today is people never mature in their faith. The author of Hebrews says, “by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the basics again.” Listen, wherever we are in our journey with Christ we can’t stay in the same place. We are all called to grow. If you do not know how to pray or read the bible or share your faith, etc., that is okay to admit. We have all been there. But you can’t stay there. If a year goes by and you are still not able to pray, read, share, etc., then have you gone on to solid food or are you still drinking milk as an infant?
We all need to grow, pastors included. Are we making an intentional effort to grow in our relationship with Jesus? Start simple. Pick a time to pray and read Scripture every day. If you don’t have time, cut something out of your schedule and make time. It is more about priority than time. Get in a group and learn with others. Join the hope team and start serving. Give online or in person. Get to know your neighbor and share Christ with them. Continually practice these habits and grow in your faith.
13 Now everyone who lives on milk is inexperienced with the message about righteousness, because he is an infant. 14 But solid food is for the mature—for those whose senses have been trained to distinguish between good and evil.