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"Therefore, let us leave behind the basic teaching about Christ and advance to maturity. . . . And we shall do this, if only God permits." (Hebrews 6:1,3)
If there’s one constant theme in the New Testament, it’s the call to become more and more mature in our Christian lives. For instance, St. Paul wrote: “I continue my pursuit toward the goal, the prize of God’s upward calling, in Christ Jesus. Let us, then, who are ‘perfectly mature’ adopt this attitude” (Philippians 3:14-15).
Likewise, the author of Hebrews urges his readers to “advance to maturity” and not to settle for a constant diet of spiritual “milk” alone. The author is confident that his readers can grow up—“if only God permits” (Hebrews 5:13; 6:1,3). In other words, their growth in the spiritual life is not dependent only on their determination. Without God’s grace, it will never happen.
If only God permits. This can sound like nothing more than a token mention of God, as one would offer a…
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