"Grow Up, You Big Baby!"

Scripture Passage

Hebrews 4:14-7:28

Scripture Focus

You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food. (Hebrews 5:12 NLT)

Observation

American pastors and church leaders invest enormous effort these days making Christianity “relevant”— assuring that ministries connect with people in practical, even attractive, ways. Christian ministries often strategize for market share and package “product” no differently than secular organizations.

And wise marketing is something I value. I do not value human wisdom over the supernatural activity of the Holy Spirit. Still, I’m convinced the church cannot neglect the image she projects in market-savvy culture or create unnecessary barriers for people to hurdle on their way to Christ. I believe in making faith in Christ as simple, accessible, and attractive as I can!

As a result, when people aren’t as responsive towards Christ as they ought to be, I often re-examine my own ministry or reflect on the structure and functionality of the programs and ministries of the church I pastor. Today’s Scripture passage reminds me that it may not always be a problem with the way the gospel is presented. The problem can also lie with the way the gospel is received! The author of Hebrews minces no words:

“There is much more we would like to say about this, but it is difficult to explain, especially since you are spiritually dull and don’t seem to listen. You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things about God’s word. You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food.” (Hebrews 5:11-12 NLT)

That’s an encouragement to me—sort of—and a challenge. I’d like the Scriptures I read to tell me what’s wrong with other people (so I can feel better about myself by comparison)—and they do. But the truth is, the Scriptures also always speak truth to me, about me. So today I’m forced to ask myself...

“In what ways do I need to grow up? In what ways should I be so much further advanced than I might be now? What am I missing because I’m spiritually dull and don’t seem to listen?”

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