God Notions

Hebrews 5:11-14 Warning Against Falling Away

 We have much to say about this, but it is hard to make it clear to you because you no longer try to understand. 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! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.

About 25 years ago a fellow Christian spoke these words to me during Sunday school class. I cannot tell you how painful and shocked I was to have been told I need to, “ get off the milk and get some meat” I have been a Christian all my life!

I credit the Holy Spirit with keeping me from being offended and I actually took this to heart for self-evaluation and growth. Don’t get me wrong, I was crushed and embarrassed, but the truth was I was not growing in my knowledge or relationship with Christ. I stayed where I was comfortable and familiar, always turning back to the bible stories, scripture, and experiences of my youth. To be completely honest, I was afraid that if I gave myself fully to God, He would call me to do something I couldn’t… didn’t want to do. I was afraid of the unfamiliar. I liked being in the driver’s seat and until that day, I was cruising quite nicely, thank you.

God wasn’t a priority. I have learned that Christian maturity is a continual never-ending walk. I had to change my priorities. It was time to change from putting myself first, to pleasing and obeying God first. I have to be consistent and persevere in the things that bring me closer to God. I now try to read scripture for understanding, fellowship with other Christians and do my best to be sensitive and obedient to the Holy Spirit’s leading.

My life has never been the same since. God has led me in ways I would have never dreamed. I have learned that what I think is good, God always has better and the best waiting for me. Just when I think I know how wonderful, how marvelous He is, He reveals a little more of Himself to me and I am amazed and struck with wonder at still how little I know. My heart blooms knowing He has His best for me always. This I know is true: He is trustworthy, faithful, compassionate, and patient. He is complete, He is perfect, nothing can be taken from Him, and nothing can be added to Him.

I have learned He wants to be known, maybe in the same way we long to be known. He waits for us and reveals Himself, gently and lovingly as we follow His leading. 

Father God,

Thank you for making yourself known to us through Your Son, Christ Jesus. Thank you for Your Holy Spirit and Holy Scripture that we can have daily guidance and grow in our knowledge of You. Please draw us near and grow in us the desire to know you and follow you more each day.