November 3

Growing Up or Growing Old? 

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 119:97-104 | Ezekiel 7:1-9:11 | Hebrews 5:1-14 | Proverbs 26:28

Today’s Scripture Focus: Hebrews 5:1-14

“We have much to say 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 NIV).

I’ve heard it said that “Some people grow up in the Lord, others just grow old in the Lord. ”Unfortunately sometimes this is the case. There is a big difference between “growing up” and “just growing old” in the Lord. Growth and maturity require more than years of “pew time,” they require years of diligent learning, application and obedience.

Paul urges these believers on to maturity. They should have grown to the point where they were teaching others, but they were still nursing like babes. Babies are cute, for a while, but it would be a pathetic thing to have an adult behaving like an infant.

God is looking for more than pew warmers. He is looking for those who are diligent students of his word, people who are eager to hear and understand. He desires us to be people who are being molded and shaped by God as we apply and live out the truths of the word. He is looking for people who are using their gifts and abilities to edify and build up the body and to reach others with the good news.

Don’t just grow old. It’s time to grow up!

Father, help me to grow up and become fully mature. Strengthen me to be a student of your word—one who seeks to understand, to apply and live out the truth. Equip me for every good work that you have for me and help me to be diligent in using my gifts for your kingdom. Amen.