Today, I want us to take a close and honest look at wherewe are spiritually. Guiding our kids spiritually starts with us, in our life.

Here’s a question … was there a time in your life whenyou were closer to Christ? When was that? Why were you closer then? Whathappened?

Regardless of your answer, what will it take for you togrow and mature to the next place God has for you?

Listen to Hebrews 6:1-3 …

So let us stop going over the basic teachings aboutChrist again and again. Let us go on instead and become mature in ourunderstanding. Surely we don’t need to start again with the fundamentalimportance of repenting from evil deeds and placing our faith in God. You don’tneed further instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, theresurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And so, God willing, we willmove forward to further understanding.

Now, granted, baptism, laying on of hands, resurrectionof the dead, and eternal judgement are some heady topics, but we don’t need tomiss the real point of the passage: Don’t keep re-learning what you alreadyknow. Don’t go backwards spiritually. Move forward and grow.

Listen to today’s passage in the Message Bible … So comeon, let’s leave the preschool fingerpainting exercises on Christ and get onwith the grand work of art. Grow up in Christ. The basic foundational truthsare in place: turning your back on “salvation by self-help” and turning intrust toward God; baptismal instructions; laying on of hands; resurrection ofthe dead; eternal judgment. God helping us, we’ll stay true to all that. Butthere’s so much more. Let’s get on with it!

What has to happen for you to grow in Jesus?

Can we ask Him to reveal what He wants to lead you ingrowth, what might a next step, a new area of focus be?

What needs to happen for you to help your kids grow withyou?

That, my friend, is your next step.

Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, help me to besolid in what I know to be true about You and then start (or keep) growing andmaturing in You. Help me to be constantly moving forward to a new place in Youand taking my kids with me. As above, so below.”