Be Not Held Back!

When students do not put forth a significant enough amount of effort into their studies, they may find themselves having to either repeat a class or maybe even a whole grade. Being held back, graduation and the things that follow are put further away. There is a certain sense of personal responsibility that must be exercised in gaining a good education. Utilizing study time as it is available and turning in assignments on time -- rather than goofing off or simply not paying enough attention in class -- is what is necessary for growing intellectually and becoming prepared for being a contributing member of society. What a thing to talk about as the school year has only just begun? Actually it is better to be focused on now than later!

Is the expectation any less when it comes to our spiritual growth and how we become contributing members to the Lord's purposes and work? Though we all may not grow physically, intellectually, socially, and spiritually at the same pace, growth is still anticipated. This was the view of the Hebrew writer toward those to whom he addressed his letter.

We read. . .
"(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 righteousness, 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." ( Hebrews 5:12-14 ESV)

Though some of these individuals had been Christians long enough that they should have been ready to teach others, they were being held back by the need to go over "basic principles" of the teaching again. They had not matured as they should have. Just as it is physically, so spiritually we progress bit-by-bit as we continue to seek to learn more.

Let us pay close attention to what God is trying to reveal in His Word. Let us also share what we know with others, for in so doing it imbeds it more in our own minds. As one plus one equals two is basic though still relevant to even higher more complex mathematics, the basic principles of the teachings of Jesus remain true and should never be forgotten. However, we need to continue building our faith and knowledge on them. May we accept the personal responsibility for spiritual growth, understanding it is a life education of eternal significance from which we do not want to be held back!

Have a great day PREPARING FOR GRADUATION INTO ETERNITY!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Responsibility