We have a goldfish named Jeff. When we first brought him home, he was the smallest fish in the tank. Just a tiny little thing. But now... I can't believe how much he's grown in just a few months. He's huge! And I don't think he can believe it either based on what happened to him a few days ago.
My husband went to turn on the fish tank light for the day and discovered Jeff's big golden body stuck inside a decorative schoolhouse. It's meant for the fish to be able to swim through and hide in (and to do their math, of course). But poor ole Jeff. He used to be able to visit the fish school just fine. But this time his size got the best of him, and he wasn't able to do what he used to do.
Has that ever happened to you? Have you discovered that you can't do something that you used to be able to do? Sometimes this can actually be a good thing.
The Bible says that we can grow in our faith and spiritual maturity. In other words, just like you start out as a child and then become an adult, you can also "grow up" in Christ. As you learn more about Jesus and as you develop a relationship with Him, you will start to grow as a Christian. And you will discover that you can't (or know you shouldn't) do some things that you used to do. Maybe you notice that you can't talk the way you used to, or you can't hang out with the same friends. Maybe you notice that your thoughts are different (in a good way) and your attitude toward others is different.
The Bible says that new believers are like small children who drink milk and learn about simple, basic truths of God. But as you grow in Christ, it's like you move away from the milk and start eating solid food.
Hebrews 5 says, "Solid food is for those who are grown up. They have trained themselves to tell the difference between good and evil. That shows they have grown up." (Hebrews 5:14 NIrV).
In what ways have you grown up in Christ? Are you training yourself to tell the difference between good and evil? Be like Jeff and outgrow some things! (But don't get stuck in a schoolhouse.)
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