Pastor’s Corner: “Growing Pains”
Hebrews 5:11-14 (NIV) – Warning Against Falling Away – 11 We have much to say about this, but it is hard to make it clear to you because you no longer try to understand. 12 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! 13 Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. 14 But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.
In today’s world, impatience is all too common a trait. We want food, help, and information fast. Just waiting for the computer to boot up or the “next avail-able agent” to answer our call can cause frustration. This has become more evident during this time of social distancing and isolation. Our society’s impatience and entitlement are on full display (Christians are not immune). But the Lord specializes in slow, steady work. He’s more interested in a quality outcome than a speedy process.
Nowhere is this more evident than in the realm of spiritual growth and discernment. When we become Christians, we aren’t instantly wise and knowledgeable. It takes a lifetime to grow to maturity. Some believers, however, don’t seem to grow up at all. They get older, but their understanding of God’s Word never goes very deep. The words that come to mind are shallow and lukewarm. Hebrews 5:11 – 11 We have much to say about this, but it is hard to make it clear to you because you no longer try to understand. This is a danger for us all.
This lack of Godly wisdom is caused by ignorance of the Scriptures, apathy and complacency about spiritual things, and a failure to apply biblical truths. Spiritual growth and discernment requires time and effort. You can’t simply move through life, thoughtlessly reacting to situations yet never learning from them. Take time to reflect on your responses and observe the consequences of your actions and choices. Take advantage of this time of social distancing and isolation where our weaknesses and need for growth have become painfully obvious. If you feel convicted by what you notice, let that motivate you to begin a lifelong pursuit of the Lord and His ways.
There is a solution that may seem like a no-brainer for professing Christians, yet it is one of the most neglected activities: Start reading the Bible regularly. And as you do, ask the Lord to open your heart and mind to understand what He’s saying. But just reading God’s Word isn’t enough. James 1:22(NLT) – 22 But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. Without applying what you’ve read, all you’ll have is head knowledge. Obedience trains us to discern good and evil. Hebrews 5:14 – 14 But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil. Through practice, we learn wisdom and develop spiritual maturity. Give the Lord your attention, mind and energy. And allow Him to bring spiritual growth and discernment to your life.
Bless you all and may God’s Grace, Peace and Wisdom fill your hearts and minds!
In His Grace,
Pastor Hamilton & Family