13 JULY

GROWING UP (2)

“But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.”(Hebrews 5:14)

Each time I stopped my six-month-old grandchild from taking the solid adult food on the table with his outstretched hand and gurgling noises, it dawned on me that God does not allow many believers to have solid spiritual food because they have not developed the required spiritual digestive system. Interestingly, our spiritual growth is not necessarily time-dependent as the biological. It is partly dependent on constant studying of God’s Word, praying, fellowshipping with God’s people and mastering our Christ-given power of discernment. It involves training our senses, conscience, mind and bodies to distinguish between good from evil.

Just as the growing child moves from milk to semi-solids and then solid foods, the maturing Christian develops the strength to conquer sinful behaviour, as he regularly feeds on the Word and prayer, and is more able to discern between good and evil, as well as differentiating the voice of God from that of self and Satan.

Part of the commentary from the Life Application Bible on our verse for today says, “Can you recognise temptation before it traps you? Can you tell the difference between the correct use of Scripture and a mistaken one?” Usually, the Holy Spirit prompts us and we have a choice to act immediately but with each moment wasted, it may just become more difficult to discern rightly.

ACTION: Read the Bible daily, asking the Holy Spirit to teach you.

PRAYER: Grant me the power of discernment, Oh Lord!