READY FOR SOLID FOOD?

Paul can sometimes appear to be quite insulting. Take, for example, this passage from Hebrews:

“We have much to explain about this, but it is hard to explain because you are slow to learn. 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.”
-- Hebrews 5: 11-12

Ouch. No one likes being told that they are “slow learners” and are not ready for “solid food.” Especially when Paul later states that “solid food is for the mature”, implying that we’re not mature. How dare him!

Actually, thank God for Paul. Sometimes blunt words are necessary to get one’s message across, or to make a lasting impression. Paul was an expert at this. In this particular case, Paul was directing his comments to a group of Christians who, according to the footnotes in the NIV Bible, had become “spiritually sluggish and mentally lazy.” These were not new believers. They had accepted Christ as their Savior, but had not progressed much further in their knowledge or in the practice of the faith. Indeed, they had regressed. In current vernacular, they would be known as “slackers”. Paul wasn’t happy.

Paul exhorts these sputtering Christians to get off their duffs and move forward. “Therefore, let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity …” He instructs them to continue their studies, continue learning, and to put this knowledge and faith into action.

Paul’s exhortations apply to every Christian – yesterday, today and tomorrow. We are not to rest on our laurels, content in the knowledge that we are saved. We should continue to study, to learn, to grow. More importantly, we are to put all of this knowledge into action. We are to live and share the faith, and live life as God wants us to.

Just how does one continue to learn and grow? To me, the answers are obvious. If one wants to learn about World War II or caring for a horse, you read books. You attend classes. You speak with experts on the subject. You associate with others who are seeking the same knowledge, sharing your thoughts, questions and ideas on the subject with each other. The same path should be taken for any field in which you seek to gain additional knowledge and understanding.

It is no different with Christianity and your quest for growth and maturity. You cannot do it alone and expect to consistently grow and reach spiritual “maturity”. You have to read the Bible regularly – preferably daily. You need to attend a Christ-centered church and fellowship with fellow believers. You need to attend regular Bible study classes, where you can study, discuss and learn more about God’s Word and His instructions and plans. And, you need to pray, listening for God’s answers, clarifications and direction. You cannot do it alone.

So what do you do with all of this newly gained knowledge and understanding? Do you keep it bottled-up, being content with your knowledge? Far from it! God expects us to practice our Christian faith every day, every minute. Live life as Christ did, spreading love and sharing his insight and understanding with everyone. We are not to keep His light hidden under a bushel, but it should be a beacon lighting the way for everyone. James says, “Yes, faith without action is as dead as a body without a soul.” Wise words, and a great topic for a future installment!