11 When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I
understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man,
I put away childish things.
12 For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to
face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am
known.
When we are children we
dream of growing up. We believe that everything will be wonderful
when we are able to make our own decisions and be our own boss!
And then it happens! We
have to be responsible and accountable for our choices and we begin
to look longingly at the times when we could be carefree and leave
all of that responsibility to others.
Does this also describe
us as Christians? Did we enter the faith eagerly wanting to grow up
and mature. Were we hungry for all aspects of our new faith and, like
toddlers getting into everything, were we in bible study, Sunday
school, mission work and every other church activity available. Were
we ready to talk to anybody and everybody about our wonderful
relationship with Jesus Christ!
Where are we now? Do we
wait patiently for pastors and teachers to do the work of reading the
Word, of doing the research and then feeding the Word to us in small,
pureed bites? Are we coming later and later to church or missing
church altogether? Do we only seek the emotionally charged moments
of a fiery choir or dynamic speaker with no patience for the real
“meat” of the Word?
Hebrews 5:12-14New King James Version (NKJV) Spiritual Immaturity 12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. 13 For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. 14 But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
Paul is not encouraging us to rush headlong into taking on the role of teachers, “those who by reason of use”. He is encouraging us to do the work of studying the Word because it is in the Word that our growth as Christians lies.
It
is our responsibility, a responsibility given to us by Jesus Himself,
to be prepared to take His Word into the world. How do we transition
into this assigned role of evangelists?
2 Timothy 2:15 King James Version (KJV)
15 Study to
shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be
ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
How exciting to enter
each new church meeting full of new knowledge gained through our own
study and new questions which seek confirmation and clarification?
How rewarding it must be for pastors and teachers who are engaged
with members who are as excited as they are about knowing God's Word.
Father
God please cultivate in us a desire to grow which leads us to
actively pursue Your
Way! Please guide us as we grow from infancy to maturity in You.
Thank You, Lord!
May
God Forever Be a Blessing in Your Life!!!
