Discovery Journal

Kelli F. - July 8, 2011

Scripture:

Hebrews 5:11-14 We have a lot to say about that. But it is hard to explain it to you. You learn too slowly. By this time you should be teachers. But in fact, you need someone to teach you all over again. You need even the simple truths of God's word. You need milk, not solid food. Anyone who lives on milk is still a baby. That person does not want to learn about living a godly life. Solid food is for those who are grown up. They have trained themselves with a lot of practice. They can tell the difference between good and evil.

Observation:

The author is warning believers that God expects us to grow and mature as Christians. New believers need milk; they need to know the foundational truths of the Christian faith. They are not able to yet digest the meat, that part of the Word that requires obedience and change as we learn how to live a godly life. There exists an expectation from God that just like our own children, we progress from drinking milk to eating solid food.

Application:

Babies are cute. They accept the simple truth that they are loved with no conditions, no expectations and no accountability. But when they become toddlers, our job as parents is to teach them the difference between right and wrong. As they continue to grow, they learn responsibility (hopefully) and respect. They learn to discern the things of this world that will harm them or help them. Eventually, they become parents themselves and teachers, to their own kids.

God parents us in the same way. He wants us to grow so that we can experience everything that life in Him brings. The way He teaches us is through His word. Think of all of the experiences you would have missed if you had stayed a baby. Growing up can be painful, wonderful, scary, exciting, heartbreaking and amazing, but this crazy roller coaster ride teaches us how to get through our time here on earth. It's a journey.

Becoming like Christ is a journey, too. It takes time, practice and a willingness to learn. When we mature in Christ, we are learning not only how to better live our lives here, but also preparing our hearts and minds for the eternity we will spend with Jesus.

Prayer:

Father God, help me to become like You. Teach me how to honor You in everything that I do. Ignite such a hunger in my soul that each day, I seek You with ALL of my heart. I thank You for the Holy Bible, Lord, for Your word and Your promises. I know there are things I'm not always going to understand or agree with, Lord, but I accept every person, interaction, opportunity, and experience that You put in my path. Help me to use it all for Your purpose and glory. In Jesus' name ~ Amen and amen!