Here’s the truth about being a learner: growing spiritually is something that can be served by other people but ultimately must be owned personally by you. Too many followers of Christ view discipleship as something that is done to them and for them, almost like a personal enrichment program or getting a life coach.
No.
That’s why in the New Testament book of Hebrews we’re told that people who keep looking to get “fed” are in a state of arrested development. They’re like babies who never grow up, always wanting their bottle. If you think I’m being sarcastic in how I paraphrase it, read it yourself:
We have much to say about this, but it is hard to make it clear to you because you no longer try to understand. In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil. (Hebrews 5:11–14, NIV)
Growing in your faith is not about finding the best teaching, making sure you land in the best small group, and taking the best classes or seminars you can.
Those are all fine add-ons, but the heart of the challenge is for you to become an active, self-motivated, self-feeding learner.
This article originally appeared here and is used by permission.
