Spiritual Maturity... A Lost Trait?

Hebrews 5:11-6:8

About this we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.
Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, and of instruction about washings, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And this we will do if God permits. For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, 6 and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt. For land that has drunk the rain that often falls on it, and produces a crop useful to those for whose sake it is cultivated, receives a blessing from God. But if it bears thorns and thistles, it is worthless and near to being cursed, and its end is to be burned.

How many times have we gotten frustrated by trying to explain something to people who can't (or won't) try to understand? This is what seems to have happened to the author of Hebrews. He is exasperated by trying to explain how Jesus Christ is greater than any high priest to an audience that has not matured like they should have.

I could build on the redundancy of the food analogy by explaining it, but it was verse 14 that caught my attention:

But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.

The spiritually mature didn't just wake up one day ready for the "solid food" they took the early teachings and (gasp) even questioned what they were taught! They were able, through that, to discern good from evil. The author even suggests that one of the signs of maturity is the ability and desire to teach others what you have learned (verse 12)

Then he suggests that they move on from the "elementary doctrine of Christ." Now, the author has just spent most of his time so far explaining how Christ is better than the angels, and even better than Moses, so he is not saying that the doctrine of Christ is elementary. In fact, he goes on to explain what he means:

not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, and of instruction about washings, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.

He doesn't want to explain the basics of Salvation, he argues, his audience should know that already. He feels that the need to discuss the harder doctrines of the new covenant we have with Christ is greater. However, he does aknowledge that it is still important because he promises that "this we will do if God permits."

How often have we as a church been stuck on the basic doctrines we have been taught and refused question and discern what is good and what is not? I believe that the American church is refusing to accept its responsibility to teach and instead focusing on the easy, preliminary doctrine of salvation and eternal security.

(All scripture taken from the ESV unless otherwise noted)
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Listening to: Steven Delopoulos - Daisies and Sandalwood
via FoxyTunes

Valentine's Day of Trials

I have noticed Valentine's day effects people in mainly 2 ways: either they give in to the pressure and grab the first person that will accept their offer or they will sit alone in their room bemoaning the fact that they are alone. Neither of these actions are very beneficial in the long run.
The first reaction almost guarantees a relationship that is ( both physically and emotionally) fast-paced. Both individuals involved are looking for someone to fill their immediate needs and wants. These relationships also tend to be self-centered and short-lived. We'll call these "grabbers" Many "grabbers" who are hurt by this type of relationship choose the second reaction at the next opportunity.
The latter reaction also resort to selfishness. However, instead of expending themselves in a physical relationship, they spiral down in self-pity. This leads to desperation, which in turn can lead to the first reaction. We'll call these people "groaners".
So we would remain, oscillating between "grabbers" and "groaners, if it were not for the grace and wisdom of God.

In his letter, James first addresses the "groaners":

My brothers and sisters, consider it nothing but joy when you fall into all sorts of trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect effect, so that you will be perfect and complete, not deficient in anything. James 1:2-4, NET

The transformation from trials to perseverance is due only to God's grace. He brings the trials to bring to a closer likeness to his son, Jesus Christ. This is why we should not gripe and complain about our trials. I don't mean to sound trite and uncaring, and I realize that it is much easier for me to write it than to live up to it. God is outside of time and space. He sees everything that has happened and everything that will happen. He knows how everything is interconnected. He also has the power to control "random" circumstances to work and guide situations to his purpose (see also Romans 8). Christians should not worry about how things will turn out when we have a God orchestrating it all.

James continues by speaking to the "grabbers":

But if anyone is deficient in wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without reprimand, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed around by the wind. James 1:5-6, NET

The definition of wisdom is seeing what is the best in a given situation and having the strength of will to see it through. Wisdom sees that a quick, short-term, physically intense relationship will only lead to heartache down the line. Wisdom also has the determination to wait for a more fulfilling and (especially) purposeful relationship. God promises to give us wisdom if we ask and believe.

However, when we ask, it is not as if we will wake up the next morning with a higher wisdom quotient. God often provides wisdom through more tests and trials and also through mentors. As we learn, God often gives us more opportunities and blessings.

I must confess, I have been both a "grabber" and a "groaner" in the past. But this year, by the grace of God, I was neither. Instead, I had a great time with many friends.

As I am single, I hold finding the girl God has for me as very important. It is near the top of the list (only preceded by finishing school and establishing myself in a career).

It was also important to Saint Valentine. He was a staunch defender of traditional marriage. He was eventually killed for his belief. Then, he became associated with the day where we celebrate the feeling of love. Let's face it, Valentine's day is celebrating sex (This is not necessarily a bad thing, but that's for another time). The poor martyr would be horrified at the emphasis that is placed on the physical above and before commitment.

In closing, if you feel like a "grabber" or a "groaner," remember what James says about wisdom and attitudes when being tested.