When close isn’t close enough
(Read Hebrews 6)
Hebrews 6 begins with the writer teaching his followers to recognize their level of spiritual maturity. He stressed that we can not reach perfection in our earthly lives, but that we can reach a place of maturity in our faith and love of Jesus. Hebrews shows that our relationship with Christ is intended to be a fulfillment of God’s plan.
“Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, instruction about cleansing rites, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And God permitting, we will do so.”
The writer continued about our need to focus on the true Christian principles, rather than the public and showy, obligatory acts that some people rely on. God’s intent for the Christian believer is not to be static, but to experience continued growth and maturity. If we are lazy, apathetic, or neglectful, we not only miss His holy wisdom, we run the risk of disobedience or discouragement — for falling short of His plan.
“It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age and who have fallen away, to be brought back to repentance. To their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace.”
Once we learn Christ’s core teachings, our work is not done. Hebrews 6 goes on to explain that we should always strive to grow our faith beyond the doctrine of have-to obligations (the basics) to perfection (more in depth, deeper, relationship with Christ).
“We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope for may be fully realized. We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.”
God’s promise has always been unchanged. He has never moved the finish line on us. I trained for 6 months for my 5th marathon. My goal was to qualify for the Boston Marathon. I arrived late and in the beginning the race was crowded. It was a bottleneck with many slower runners than me, and I had to weave and jig-zag for the first 7-8 miles. It took a lot of my energy to make up for this lost time. I never fully overcame my deficit. Of course, it is a great feeling to finish ANY marathon, but my goal was to qualify. I was a few minutes too slow.
“People swear by someone greater than themselves, and the oath confirms what is said and puts an end to all argument.”
The Hebrews writer discussed “falling away” — losing faith. In the Old Testament book of Exodus, Israel failed to reach the borders of the Promised Land. The nation of Israel was judged harshly for failing to trust in God’s plan. The land of Canaan was their rightful place to be, yet pride, laziness, fear, and an overall lack of trust in God, tethered them from reaching their goal.
“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.”
Sometimes, trying hard and showing up is good enough. These efforts sometimes satisfy us. In other cases, like our faith and trust in our Lord, just knowing about Him isn’t close enough. No matter what your faith level is, your age, etc. if you rely on and pursue the teachings of God, you will find maturity in your faith. Our call from God is clear: we must go on to perfection.
Highlights:
- Once we’re familiar with God’s word, we must not let our wisdom and our relationship with Christ slip away.
- Following the legal rules of being a good Christian, doesn’t mean we’re “perfect” in God’s eyes.
- Our journey with Christ is a life-long and eternal relationship. By using this relationship as our corner stone, and pursuing an even deeper connection, takes us from good to “perfect” in God’s eyes.
Applications:
- When you read the Bible, pray for someone in need, or discuss scripture in groups with other believers, it is your obligation to dig deeper. Don’t stand still in your faith journey. Look at yourself as God looks at you. You are cherished, loved, and saved. Use that to motivate you.
- Don’t be satisfied with your ritualistic accomplishments as a Christian. Have you loved others as you’ve been loved? Do you love your God with all your heart and soul? Do you seek a daily relationship with your maker? Let your actions in life reflect your knowledge of the Bible.
- Pursue the goodness of the holy word in every day of your life. Look for examples of God’s promise of salvation in your life. Take action. True Christians are bold in their faith and their conviction. Be this. Show this. Reach the finish line.
Where else in your life can you live out the teachings of Christ? Look for next week’s Devotion.