Today’s Reading: Proverbs 29, Hebrews 3-5
Guest Blogger: Dwight Trotter
Hebrews 5:14
“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.”
It is a universal law. In matters of mental capacity, muscular fitness and usefulness, developed skill sets, talent, and spiritual sensitivity: Use it or lose it. The writer clearly states that those who are spiritually mature, or “of full age”, can discern between good and evil because they have practiced it.
I realize this doesn’t sound very spiritual or mystical. There are some who would rather believe that they get a spiritual “data dump” either when they get born again or receive the Holy Spirit, and that’s all there is to it. But the truth according to scripture is that these experiences are, for all of their eternal consequences, starting points for our journey.
The writer of Hebrews states in vv. 11-13 that the recipients of his letter had not progressed, although there had been plenty of time. And not only had they not made progress, they had lost at least some of their capabilities and understanding. They had become “dull of hearing” and needed to be “taught again the first principles.” Since they were not “using,” they were in danger of “losing.”
Just to be clear, let’s make the points that: 1. The writer is not talking about losing one’s salvation, 2. Nor is he making a case for a works-based salvation. In fact, he goes to great lengths in earlier passages to establish that the call is to enter into His rest and cease from our own works. What he is encouraging is a constant movement towards spiritual maturity based on practice – or, in his own words, “reason of use.”
Think of it this way. When we get born again, we’re like puppies. They’re full of life, bring joy anywhere they show up, and seem to have boundless energy. But they don’t yet recognize their master’s commands and will probably make messes and chew things they shouldn’t. And as they grow physically, if they are not properly disciplined, they become huge nuisances to those around them – and potentially dangerous. Who wants to be around a full-grown dog that acts like a puppy.
On the other hand, a dog that has been raised and trained properly is not only useful to its master in a variety of ways, it is a pleasure to have around.
So how do we train the puppy in each of us? First of all, notice that in our selected scripture the writer refers to “senses.” We need to learn to use our senses to determine His will. And to do this, practice. Listen for the Master’s voice. He has already given us the capacity to hear Him, (John 10:27) but it’s up to us to hone in on it and exclude the myriad of other voices speaking to us. “Oh taste and see that the Lord is good, blessed is the man who trusts in Him! (Psalm 34:8) In times of stress or temptation, resolve to stand on the Word of God even when the decision to do so seems illogical or self-defeating. Then, expect to see His word bear fruit! This is not an all-inclusive list, but you get the drift.
Might we stumble, sometimes miss Him? Possibly. Part of the learning process is analyzing and correcting our mistakes. But not to worry. He knows and rewards those whose heart is toward Him. “The hand of our God is upon all those for good who seek Him…” (Ezr 8:22)
So, go ahead and grow! Step out in confidence, knowing that His hand is upon you for good, that it is His will that you know His will, and that by His grace you can!
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