Going on to perfection

Today's reading: Hebrews 5-6

Therefore let us go on toward perfection, leaving behind the basic teachings about Christ, and not laying again the foundation: repentance from dead works and faith toward God, instruction about baptism, laying on of hands, resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. Hebrews 6:1-2 NRSV

Let us go on toward perfection...what does that mean, exactly? We have these images of being perfect or like Jesus. But the writer of Hebrews is trying to get us to go on and be mature in our faith - not perfect in the faith! Hebrews tells us that we don't need to be spending time on the basics like repentance and faith, how to do baptisms, when to heal or pray, nor what will happen after our death. Those are basics and need to be left behind for the mature life in faith.

The question for us this morning is: how mature am I? Do I still struggle with understanding the basics of Christianity? Or am I ready to go deeper, learn more and be complete?

God, you call us to go on to perfection or maturity. You want us to be beyond the basics and fully committed in our relationship and life with you. Help us to grow up in our faith, Lord! In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims