“So let us stop going over the basic teachings about Christ again and again. Let us go on instead and become mature in our understanding.” (Hebrews 6:1 NLT)
Halfway through seminary, I finally admitted my grievance of my previous ministry and stage in life. I missed my family, friends, the church where I served as Youth Director, and Mississippi. Feeling very called to where I was at seminary, I desired to return to the way things were. Seminary stretched my mind as an athlete would stretch muscles for competition. If the athlete stops stretching the muscle, it becomes tight which prevents proper blood flow. Exercising and competing becomes difficult when muscles go un-stretched. While stretching, one may discover new muscles waiting to grow. This is how I felt halfway through seminary, but with my mind – constantly stretching, yet, discovering new ‘muscles’ waiting to grow. At some point, I had to choose to move on to a more ‘mature understanding’ of my faith in Jesus Christ.
At some point, we must move forward in maturing as a follower of Jesus. You know, going beyond the “basics.” This is difficult, because it involves much of our mind – making a commitment to grow, asking others to hold you accountable, and reading and studying scripture. Stretching the physical body is good for now, but constantly learning more and more of our faith is even better, because we are moving towards eternal life with God.
IronMaker’s Daily Challenge: Ask this question and give yourself time for an answer: In what area[s] of spiritual disciplines would I like to grow?
Prayer: Lord Jesus of Nazareth, High Priest of Heaven, with your help, I commit myself to seeking a more mature understanding through the strengthening of my mind and because of the very faith I have in you, this day. Amen.
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