Feb 6 Devotion: Maturity

Hebrews 6:1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,

The contextual subject of this verse is Christian maturity. We are not to remain “babes in Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:1) but are to “go on unto perfection”. We are to “grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 3:18) Salvation in Christ is the beginning of the spiritual journey, not the end. This is why Hebrews 6:1 declares that we are to leave “the principles of the doctrine of Christ.” That could very easily be misunderstood but it simply means that we are not to stay where we started (the starting line of the race, so to speak) but continue growing in our relationship with Christ.

I have heard it said that maturity can be seen when we get to a place where we are doing what is right because we want to instead of feeling like we have to. Isn’t that the desire of a parent for their children? I believe it is the same principle here. I am privileged to get to go to church instead of feeling like I am obligated to go. I get the privilege of serving God instead of I have the responsibility to do so. I get to read the Bible instead of I must read my chapters today. I get to be a blessing to others through the enabling of God’s grace instead of doing something for the praise of men. Maturity is a forward moving process.

God’s grace is given to the undeserving for there are “none righteous, no, not one”. (Romans 3:10) Maturity teaches us that the blessings of God are not given by entitlement but by grace. To be born again and placed in the family of God is not a right because of who we are but a privilege because of who God is. Proper perspective comes with maturity. Humility comes with maturity. Maturity is seeing ourselves the way God sees us and desiring to walk the path that God lays before us. Maturity is far more aware of the pitfalls, detours, and roadblocks. Maturity sees life’s trials as things to be overcome through faith in Christ rather than situations to depress and defeat us. Maturity is a spiritual condition that puts God first. So, “let us go on unto perfection.”  

In Christ’s Service,

Bro. Adrian Moore

2 Cor. 4:5