Scripture: Hebrews 5:12. In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food!
13. Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness.
14. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.

Observation: It is OK to be immature, but it is not OK to stay that way! Maturing is a process we grow through in every area of life: physically, intellectually, spiritually, etc. Physical maturity enables us to eat solid food. Spiritual maturity allows us to distinguish good from evil. Maturity does not make me judgmental, but it does enable me to make good judgments.

When the writer says, “…trained themselves…” he is indicating that spiritual maturity is not something that can be left to another. Each person must take responsibility for their own growth. Even a person interested in physical growth may hire a personal trainer, but it is still his/her responsibility to follow through with the trainer’s direction.

Application: Personal growth in knowing God helps me understand His ways and what pleases or displeases Him. I can then make good judgments that line up with His righteousness. Although I can enlist the aid of others to help in my spiritual growth, it comes down to being my responsibility.

Prayer: Lord, as I thank you for people you sent my way to help me grow in grace and the knowledge of Your Word, I acknowledge my responsibility. I set myself to grow in You! Amen.