January 26th - Hebrews 6:1

Hebrews 6:1 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. If you saw a group of learned professors of mathematics earnestly talking about the fact that two and two make four, you might think it rather strange. You would imagine that they would have moved on to more complicated matters. That is not to say that the fact that two and two make four is unimportant. Far from it. Every day of their working life depends on it. But there comes a day when you need to move on, and that’s precisely what the writer is saying in our verse today. He wasn’t saying that the basic teachings about Christ were in any way unimportant. Indeed, everything depends on those truths. But he was eager that his readers should grow up in their faith, applying the key principles of the Christian faith to every aspect of their life and society. So, how can we go on to become mature in our understanding of the Christian faith? If we were talking about deepening our understanding of maths or geography you would expect me to be recommending college or university courses, but growing as a Christian is different. There is no doubt that courses can help, but growing in one’s understanding of God and what it means to live for him is essentially on-the-job training. It is as we live for God daily and allow his Spirit to guide us that we discover more about him. Our thinking will be constantly shaped by our prayer lives and by our study of the Bible. Through spending time with other Christians, we will gain much wisdom and encouragement. It is a dynamic and exciting process of growth and not something that can be simply reduced to a course. The writer to the Hebrews is clearly alarmed and saddened by the immaturity of his readers. He knew that they could easily be overwhelmed if they were to meet a new wave of persecution. Our situation may be very different but the need for maturity is the same. As we confront a society that is fundamentally antagonistic to Christian faith, we desperately need men and women who are mature and constantly growing in their commitment to Christ. Question How are you seeking to grow in your Christian faith? Prayer Loving God, thank you that your desire is that I should become stronger in my faith. Fill me with your Holy Spirit and help me to grow each day. Amen