get a move on

Opening Prayer: Lord Jesus, forgive me when I allow my life with you to get stuck or stagnate because I am unwilling to do what it takes in order to take that next step toward maturity.  Forgive me when I allow my life with you to take a back seat to other things that seem more urgent and pressing.  Forgive me when I give so much time and attention, so much effort and energy, to the things of this world that I forget—or refuse—to pay attention to the things of the Spirit.  My reasons for not taking that next step with you are abundant.  Forgive me, Lord Jesus.  Help me to leave the “elementary” things and move on to a deeper in my life with you.  It’s time!   

Scripture: Hebrews 6:1

Journal: What is the next step for you as far as spiritual maturity is concerned?  Are you willing to take that step?  What does that look like?  How and where are you reluctant and resistant to change?  Why?

Reflection: “Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity.” (Heb. 6:1) There is such a beautiful and terrifying invitation in that statement; something we all deeply want, yet something we are afraid to move toward.  Most likely that’s because what it’s going to take to get to that next level of maturity is costly.  It is not nearly as costly, however, as it is incredible.  It is oh so worth it! 

We live in a world that seeks minimum investment for maximum return.  Unfortunately, spiritual maturity doesn’t work that way.  Maybe that’s why so many seem stuck or stagnate in their lives with Jesus; they are simply unwilling to invest, or endure, whatever it takes to get to the next level of maturity—especially if it involves moving downward rather than upward.  And make no mistake about it, spiritual maturity almost always comes about as a result of descent rather than ascent.  It’s the Jesus way. 

The strange thing is that when we finally muster the courage to follow his leading, wherever that might be, we find that the way downward is actually the way to freedom and life, if we are willing to take that step.  What does stepping toward maturity look like for you these days?

Pray

Closing Prayer: Lord Jesus, give me the courage to take that next step toward spiritual maturity, whatever it may look like.  Amen.