Lori and I have two boys that we are very proud of. They have progressed in life through their basic education and are at university tackling their education into their further careers. Whereas they are moving forward in that aspect of life, they are still infants and learning through the growth process when it comes to life in general.
In our faith and relationship and life of/with Christ, we have a growth track as well. I know that I have been on that track for about 35 years and whereas I feel all grown up in certain areas, I am still learning in others. The one thing I have to know and remember is that I do have to continue on past the foundation and forward into adulthood and maturity in the faith.
“1Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, 2and of instruction about washings, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.” — Hebrews 6:1-2 (ESV)
The writer of Hebrews is speaking here to those that have been following Christ for some time and have fallen backward and have not progressed in their maturity in the faith. The writer is calling out that idea to spark them back to the level of Christian maturity they should be. There is no reason for them to start over and learn the basics, or continue covering them. It is time for them to take on bigger tasks and “grow up” in their faith.
The growing up in the faith includes but is not limited to repentance. As they did, I have to remember to take on bigger tasks and think forward of what I should be repenting for. Those little things, whereas important yes, are things that I should now be avoiding out of habit and repentance for them should not be constant as I will not be sinning in those ways. I have moved on to bigger sins and need forgiveness for those now. My repentance moves forward as I move forward.
My boys are growing up and it is time for them to move on from the little things that they should have overcome to this point. As a Christian, I have moved on from the little things I have overcome and now I am forward to repentance for those that are now bigger than I.
Where are you in your repentance and life with Christ? Are you stuck in the beginning stages and not moving forward? What if you were to move forward into the bigger things and left the little things behind as you have already overcome them?
Trevor's Thoughts 