Hebrews 5:11-14 (ESV)
About this we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. [12] 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, [13] for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of right-eousness, since he is a child. [14] But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.
What words from your elementary school report cards stick with you the most? “Well done!”, “Good improvement”. Maybe even “better luck next time”. The one that sticks in my mind even to this day is a phrase that could possibly be used of me even now. More than one teacher put it on my report card. “Has the potential to do much better”. It’s a backhanded kind of a compliment. At least they thought I wasn’t stupid. They just wanted more proof that I was smart. If I ever were to write my autobiography, I think that phrase would comprise the title. “Has the Potential to do Much Better.” I hope it doesn’t make it to my grave stone. “He could have done much better”. How cruel would that be?
In this section of Hebrews the writer says something along the lines of “potential to do much better” to those he is writing. Verse 12 amounts to “you should know this stuff by now”. How long have you been a believer? Could it be legitimately said to you that you should be able to handle stronger doctrine at this point in your life than you do? Have you grown? Do you pray to know God better and are you seeing that prayer being answered? Do you read good books regarding the great doctrines of the faith? Do you see the scarlet thread of Christ through the whole Bible? Do you see how the great doctrines of the faith are practical in your daily walk with Christ? Do you understand what you read in the Scriptures? Has Jesus become more precious to you? Can you talk about the filling of the Holy Spirit as a daily experience for you? Are you smitten by grace? Do you long to show Christ to the world?
Do not be content with a level of maturity that would lead God to say Hebrews 5:11-12 to you. Make the most of the time you have. Grow in grace.
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