Journey Through The Bible
     Old Testament Reading: 1 Kings 20-22
     New Testament Reading: Hebrews 6

For God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you demonstrated for his name by serving the saints—and by continuing to serve them. Now we desire each of you to demonstrate the same diligence for the full assurance of your hope until the end, so that you won’t become lazy but will be imitators of those who inherit the promises through faith and perseverance (Hebrews 6:10-12).

Hebrews chapter 6 begins with an appeal, Therefore, let us leave the elementary teaching about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works, faith in God (v1). It is natural for an infant to grow up into a mature adult. The same is true of our spiritual life. New Christians are to grow spiritually and mature in the faith. To make progress, to move forward in spiritual growth, we must leave the childhood things behind. The lesson is clear, you have laid the foundation, you know your ABCs. Now move forward!

It is God who enables us to progress as we yield to Him, receive His Word, and act on it in obedience to Him. The writer of Hebrews is urging his readers to let God carry them along to maturity, and confident of better things for their lives because they have already demonstrated the good fruit of serving others and are continuing to do so.

Their work, motivated by their love, has not escaped God’s watchful eye. The writer’s ultimate confidence is in the justice of God. A just God could not overlook a single good work done on His behalf, nor could He overlook the motivation of the heart—love.

It is interesting to note that the writer mentions both an appreciation for their work and their attitude. You may not be appreciated by those around you, but you can be certain that God appreciated any and all work done for His name by serving the saints—and by continuing to serve them (v10b).

The writer summarizes his instruction in three exhortations. He specifies his desire – that we demonstrate the same diligence (v11). He reminds them of the danger – so that you won’t become lazy (v12a). And he motivates them to stand firm – be imitators of those who inherit the promises through faith and perseverance (v12b).

Between the lines, we can find how to press on to maturity to reach our full potential. Negatively, we must be diligent to fight laziness. Positively, we must have role models to follow. But even in the absence of role models, the responsibility for pressing on to maturity rest squarely on our own shoulders. And as we mature in our faith, we become encouragement and a role model for those around us.