Discipleship is to be marked by spiritual growth from one’s infancy in Christ to “the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ” (Eph. 4:13). The passing of time ought to show progress from being a babe (who must be taught God’s word, and how to use it) to becoming a mature Christian (who teaches others): “For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food” (Heb. 5:12). Spiritual growth from infancy to maturity occurs by learning the word of God, then using it to make clear decisions concerning good and evil (Heb. 5:13-14).

Spiritual maturity is not measured by the passing of time, but by how we are using the passing of time. The passing of time, per se, does make one a stronger, more mature Christian. Even though the “multitude of years should teach wisdom,” it is not always so (Job 32:6-7). By redeeming our time to learn God’s word, we can grow stronger in our faith and in our faithful service to the Lord. The use of our time in spiritual service and godly endeavors shows spiritual growth. Neglecting one’s opportunities to learn and grow in God’s word shows the very immaturity we must move beyond (Heb. 5:12). Do you excuse yourself from Bible learning opportunities (like Bible classes)? Or, do you prioritize the occasions you have to learn and grow in the knowledge of the Lord (2 Pet. 3:18)?

Spiritual maturity is observable. Spiritual maturity is seen as one uses the word of God to discern good and evil. “For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. 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” (Heb. 5:13-14). The skillful use of God’s word to make careful decisions to do good and to avoid evil is a mark of maturity.

Spiritual maturity is expected of every Christian. Every child wants to grow up to adulthood. Even so, Christians who feed on the milk of the word want to “go on to perfection” (Heb. 5:12; 6:1). Spiritual growth is a process to which we continually devote ourselves. Failure to grow and mature prevents us from doing greater spiritual work (like teaching others). God expects us to grow. Therefore, we must demand it of ourselves. Learn the word of God, live it and teach it to others. These are among the traits of the growing Christian. 

Trusting, Acknowledging, and Leaning on the Lord
Tanner Bass

Proverbs 3:5-6, “⁵ Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; ⁶ in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”

Proverbs chapter three is a text where the intended audience is young people. Being that I am still a young person, I read over Proverbs three quite frequently and thus, this short text is one of my favorites. Each time I read it, I learn something new. Specifically verses five and six truly hit home to me each time I diligently study. There are so many important ideas and concepts to note through these verses.

Verse five tells us that we must trust in the Lord with all our heart. This does not mean that most of the time we should be trusting in the Lord, rather, all the time with all of our heart. What does it mean to trust in the Lord? First and foremost, it means we must put our total faith in Him. When we put our total confidence, faith, and hope in Christ, we are trusting Him, which is what the writer of Proverbs tells us to do. He then goes on to say for us, as humans, to not lean on our own understanding. Put simply, it is that humanity which makes fallible. God is not human and He is infallible. We must not be self-righteous or go through this life with the attitude, “I do not need God.” We are told to lean on God and His Son for understanding, which is found through His everlasting, unfailing, and unchanging scriptures. 

Verse six mentions that in all we do, we ought to acknowledge the Lord. Colossians 3:17 tells us that whatever we do in word or deed, to do all in the name of the Lord. This means that in all we do, we do it by the authority of Christ, acknowledging Him in all things. With such recognition and trust in the Lord, the last part of verse six is a summation of these two verses. If we trust in the Lord with all our heart, if we do not lean on our own ideas and understandings, and if we acknowledge Him in all we do, the Lord will direct our paths. We can have the sure confidence that the Lord’s path is correct. What a blessing it is to have that very confidence in the Lord.

Though this whole chapter is intended for young people, its message and applications apply to all. Each day, I encourage you to think about the choices you are making, and whether you are putting all of your trust in the Lord. I encourage you to think about who or what you put your confidence in. I encourage you to always keep the Lord at the forefront of your mind, trusting and acknowledging Him in all you may do, so that He will direct your path in the way of truth.