Solid Foods

                From the time my son was born, it seems like his eating habits have changed every week. Once we get into a pattern that I am comfortable with, he grows and his needs change. As frustrating as it is to continually rework our schedules and routines, I am encouraged with each change because he is one step closer to being able to feed himself. I look forward to the day when I can sit down at the dinner table with my husband and son and actually eat the food in front of me rather than just stare longingly at is as I spoon food into my son’s mouth. Though with each form of independence my son achieves, there is the heartbreaking realization that he needs me less and less and will one day be entirely self-sufficient.

                Hebrews 5 gives a comparison that parents are very familiar with. Verses 11-14 say, “We have a great deal to say about this, and it’s difficult to explain, since you have become too lazy to understand.  Although by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the basic principles of God’s revelation again. You need milk, not solid food.  Now everyone who lives on milk is inexperienced with the message about righteousness, because he is an infant.  But solid food is for the mature—for those whose senses have been trained to distinguish between good and evil.” The author clearly is upset with this group of people who are unable to feed themselves spiritually and “distinguish between good and evil.” They need constant explaining of the Scriptures in order to survive in their spiritual lives. This group is still depended because they are lazy and do not want to grow into independence. I think this happens a lot in our churches today both because we are lazy and do not want to learn to distinguish between right and wrong on our own, and because sometimes  we as spiritual leaders do not want to see those they have mentored become independent.

                Do I consider myself to be spiritually mature in Christ? Do I take responsibility for “feeding myself” and distinguishing between right and wrong on my own? Do I approach God directly or feel the need to approach Him through someone else? If I do consider myself spiritually mature, do I promote those around me to be independent or do I try to be their only source of spiritual guidance? Do I encourage others to seek the Lord and read His word on their own?

                Lord, please help me to be independent in my relationship with You. Teach me how to distinguish between right and wrong on my own and help me to encourage others to do the same. Amen.