When Basics Are Key

For Thursday, November 3

When Basics Are Key

Ezekiel 7-9:11; Hebrews 5:1-14; Psalm 105:1-15; Proverbs 26:28 (click to read)

(Hebrews 5) 13 People who live on milk are like babies who don't really know what is right. 14 Solid food is for mature people who have been trained to know right from wrong.

This is a great segment for me. It's not about what or how much I know. It's not about the basics I declare or the clarity of my speaking. It is - in fact - about my ability to know what is right and what is wrong and to live that out. Spiritual maturity is not found in excellent theology (though there is nothing harmful and much helpful with this). It is not found in great teaching or application approaches (though, again, this is used by the Holy Spirit to do the work of Jesus). Spiritual maturity is found in me as I determine right from wrong - and by extension, wise from unwise, effective from ineffective, and timing from terrible - in my life of following Jesus.

Lord - I can "talk myself" into a way of spiritual thinking that takes me from the maturity path. Your Word is completely full of definitions and actions of right vs. wrong. I want to take this attitude alone to define my love for You, following of You, serving You, representing You.

(You can download the Pathway 2011 Bible reading list here.)