Hebrews 5 was addressed to believers who should have been mature enough to teach others, but they were still babes in Christ. They were like nursing infants, lacking spiritual fruit and in danger of severe discipline from the Lord. They were urged to put away childish things and to grow up.

The author wrote, "Leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection" (Heb. 6:1). The word perfection means "maturity." The recipients of this letter were to leave the milk stage and grow up to "full age" (5:14) by feeding on the solid meat of the Word.

Many churches today have this same problem. They should be workshops but instead they are just nurseries for infants and crybabies. A vigorous church will have a "nursery" for new Christians, but when the babies don't grow up the workers have to spend too much time being nursemaids while neglecting the rest of the family of God.

How long have you been a follower of Christ? How much have you grown? Are you a burden to your pastor and your fellow believers, or are you an encourager and a burden-bearer? The apostle Peter challenged us to "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (2 Pet. 3:18). Let's aim for maturity. — M. R. De Haan, M.D. (founder of RBC Ministries)  — M.R. De Haan