Maturity

Hebrews 5:11-6:12 is where all the following came from :) 

Reading Mark 4:1-10 Parable of the Sower and then Hebrews 5:11-6:12 I was convicted about my maturity as a Christian. I am not rooted in good soil to produce fruitful results. 

When is it time to switch from milk to solid food as a child? How about in my faith? For I describe myself as a baby Christian (committing my life in only 2008) but I cannot rely on this excuse forever. It is time to switch to solid foods. No longer is it an excuse to say I'm a baby Christian, that I can't spread the good news, defend my faith, or even finish a book in the Bible. Today it stops. But how? 

Our relationship with Christ is like an online course. No one is there to force you to do the work but it will eventually catch up with you if you aren't proactive. Will you pass or fail in the end? Just like school we need to take INITIATIVE and study, practice, and read about our faith in order to pass in the end. 

Hebrews 5:11-14 speaks about those 'strong' christians who have lost their way, and it's because they have rooted in rocky soil or among the thorns. We need to be conscious of where we are planted and how we feed ourselves (milk or solid food). For it's more about being a 'face' in the church or amongst your friends, but a light and tool for the Lord. Be a challenger of your faith and not complacent. 

I really liked these verses in Joshua. They show what you need to do. 

"This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. ⁹ Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for theLord your God is with you wherever you go.”  ~Joshua 1:8-9

Maturity isn't about the good seeds or act your do but how well you understand the word of God and how well you live it. Read, Reflect, Pray, Practice it. Take action in your faith and become a strong mature christian by planting your seeds deep beneath good soil so you will produce fruit and it can be shared with others. 

All Relationships are Important

So I am studying the book of Mark and have some accompanying study questions I have been reviewing the past 2 weeks. As I read through the book of Mark and reflect on some of the questions I have become aware of exactly how important our relationships in life really are. I am talking about friendship, family, coworkers, and even our acquaintances.

Relationship is defined as: a connection, association, involvement; a connection between persons. So whether it's your husband or wife, friends, or even an acquaintance, you have a relationship with that person (those people). The book of Mark really is about Relationships. Take a look, read it for yourself and examine how Jesus treats all types of people: the tax collectors, the sick, his apostles, the Pharisees, even his biological family. 

So as I have been reading through Mark, just the first 3 chapters, and I am beginning to realize how important these relationships are. I believe we take for granted our relationships with others. We are only there building the relationship when it's beneficial to us--when we can get something out of it. But in Mark, we see Jesus taking the time to listen and serve all types of people, not just his close friends or family. 

For example, in Mark 1:35-39 Jesus is praying and Simon finds him and says the people are looking for Him. Jesus stops and goes to serve and preach to the crowd. These people needed him, so although it was not the optimal time since he was in the middle of spending time with the Lord praying, he stops and goes to build those relationships with those people. This was amazing and moving to me. Jesus just STOPS what he's doing (praying)  to serve and build his relationships with those who needed him. 

Another example I liked was in Mark 2:13-17, when Jesus has dinner with the tax collectors. The tax collectors were seen as one of the worst type of people since they collected money on behalf of Rome and usually took more than they were suppose to, making them rich. I don't know about you, but my first reaction would be: I don't want to talk to them, they are abusing their power! However we see how Jesus embraces them and sits down to dine with them. Building a relationship with these tax collectors and using this platform to preach and reach out to them.

As I read Mark, I see a great example for loving others and building all types of relationships through Jesus' ministry. He used every situation to preach the good news and show others forgiveness. I am ashamed how I am not building all my relationships but just those closest to me. It is a prime opportunity to share the Gospel and how the Lord has worked in my life with my acquaintances and coworkers (those people who I may not be real close to).

In addition, people should feel LOVED, WANTED, and VALUED. By working on your relationships and spending more time with others, listening and serving them, you will help them feel these things. It's human nature to need love and feel important. By just spending a little time with anyone you meet during the day, you can help that person feel these things, along with spreading the Gospel.

Here is some scripture that I came across. Good food for thought :) 

Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another–and all the more as you see the Day approaching.     ~Hebrews 10:25~

In all, I challenge you to work on all your relationships. Spend extra time and think of that person's needs; pray for them, serve them, and listen to them. Just as Jesus did in Mark and throughout his ministry and time on Earth.