Guiding Scripture: Hebrews 5:14, “But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.”
Maturing and Growth for Discernment
By Contributing writer Detria Moore
As a young, newly saved believer, one of my greatest fears was that I would believe a false prophet. I was so scared that I wouldn’t be able to know the truth and would haphazardly follow the wrong person. I was young and didn’t know much about how all this worked. I eventually realized that my fear could be resolved if I simply put in the work of reading, learning, and studying the Word of God.
As believers, we know we shouldn’t follow false prophets.
That’s easy to understand. We have the truth, we know the truth, and lies should not lead us astray. But to ensure this doesn’t happen, we must be mature saints. Mature saints, as Paul instructs, should not be fed on milk for babies but solid food. In the natural, when babies are born, they can only handle milk. Their systems are not capable of processing solid foods.
Slowly, as parents, we start incorporating more textured foods. We add cereal to their milk. We feed them baby food. As they get older and their digestive systems progress, they start eating the same foods as adults. We might cut it up really small, but the food is the same. Eventually, there’s no distinction between what our children eat, and what we eat because our digestive systems can handle the same food.
The same is true when we’re discussing spiritual matters. The newly saved can only process simple spiritual matters. That is normal and expected. But as time progresses, we anticipate the newly saved to mature and process more solid spiritual matters. That means we ought to have a level of discernment that allows us to know good from evil.
What an interesting phrase in Hebrews 5:14, “…powers of discernment trained by constant practice…” That reveals several things: (1) We learn discernment. It is not bestowed upon us instantly, but rather is something to be trained and fine-tuned. We will find ourselves in situations where our understanding is tested. Like other things, if we don’t train to use it properly, we can’t, well…use it properly!
(2) This is a constant practice. It’s ongoing. How do we practice this? First, we must be sure that we are in the Word of God. Invite the Holy Spirit into your reading to illuminate and understand the scriptures more. Ask for the Lord’s heart to be revealed as you read the scriptures. Do this- constantly! We can’t afford to stay stuck. With so many voices vying for our attention, we need to know the truth and grow into maturity.
The Bible In A Year Daily Reading Plan
Thursday, November 3, 2022
Ezekiel 7:1-9:11, Hebrews 5:1-14, Psalm 105:1-15, Proverbs 26:28
Download or Print the One Year Bible Reading Plan
Connect with Detria Moore at www.detriamoore.com
Detria Moore, J.D. is a believer, wife, mother, college professor, intercessor, community servant, writer, speaker, and volunteer of all things. Above all else, she is enamored with her Savior. Her main goal is to serve the Lord, walk in a manner worthy of her calling, and bring glory to her Savior. Detria enjoys reading and teaching the Bible, praying for others, and walking the Lynchburg trails.
