September 6 Time to Eat Some Meat… Hebrews 5:12
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “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 5:12)
Is it possible that our issues and challenges are a direct result of our immaturity in the Spirit, and the lack of committed growth in the Spirit? Could it be that we are seeing life through the eyes of a “Baby,” and not those of a mature, growing believer? When challenges are encountered, are our reactions governed by our emotions and human nature, or are we surrendered to God, guided by the Holy Spirit, and seeking His will for our lives? Are our actions, words and demeanor representing Jesus, and encouraging others to follow Christ, or are they pushing people further away from a saving relationship with Jesus? As I travel along this journey of life, I continue to wonder how professing, born-again followers of Christ can speak, act, and respond to fellow believers! Immaturity in our walk with Christ, our inability to grow in His Grace and Glory, our resistance to embrace His Full Measure of Grace, allowing emotions, prejudices, past encounters, and general worldly motivations to dictate our actions, are clear indications of a weak and immature relationship with the God that has promised victory, and the power to overcome our human emotions and the desire to please Him in all that we do! Paul was clear when he declared that we are to GROW in Christ and be Edifying and Practicing Believers! Listen - “Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.” – Ephesians 4:14… Does this attitude describe you? Are you habitually in the middle of controversy and strife? When troubles and controversies happen, are you quickly offended when circumstances don’t go your way? Do you think that Ephesians 4:14, Hebrews 5:12, Proverbs 18:2 don’t apply to you? Do you know better that the One that Created Us and has Promised Victory in Our Living? Sadly, the evidence is clear! Many have the idea that God is supposed to honor their opinions and actions, even though these actions and words are hurtful, destructive and not edifying to God, the Church or One Another! STOP, DROP, PRAY! Immaturity has a cure! Focus on His Holy Word… Read God’s Word EVERY DAY! PRAY to God, communicate with God, asking for the HOLY SPIRIT to be ACTIVIATED and DOMINATE in your Life! Again, your opinions, your traditions, your attitudes are NOT what God requires! HE REQUIRES COMMITMENT, OBEDIENCE AND SERVICE! I love what Mama used to tell us boys when we were fighting over who was going to be correct in every situation: BOYS, JUST GET ALONG! When Our Goal is to Honor God, be Christ-Like, and be Guided by the Holy Spirit, then we are going to be less of us and more of HIM! Stay Strong, Stay Focused … THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
PERSPECTIVE: Our actions, words, motivations, programs, activities are supposed to be sharing the Good News and bringing folks into a Saving Relationship with Jesus Christ! If your motivation is anything other than promoting Jesus, being a true example of His Love, then STOP, DROP, PRAY that God will change your perspective and cause you to be the witness that He Requires!