The best way to know someone is in the Spirit of the Lord between you. The Spirit is easily entreated and sure to confirm one another’s attitudes. Such a relationship confirms the other and never begs for personal attention. A carnal mind is always seeking attention. This begging is not always verbal. It can be noted by its deportment, its desires. Such actions will cause spiritual hunger to be set aside while one’s selfish spirit constantly looks for “atta-boys.” Apostle Paul found this attitude among the Hebrews when he was teaching them about the risen Christ. He scolded them. Then he outlined several steps to follow to gain Spiritual knowledge that would glorify the Lord.
All paths of life seek to improve their standing. Most will follow an educational or trade route to higher education. Hopefully, its reward will strengthen an application for employment. Appropriate classes and other opportunities are chosen. On-the-job training is often sought. These ideals are followed with personal hope as the motivator.
The call to Spiritual life and its educational offerings take a back seat to secular opportunities. Many Christians “know the Lord.” But often they only major in the basics offered in a sequential sense from weekly Church services. Spiritual progress is stunted by a lack of Spiritual knowledge and its desired application.
This author highlights Apostle Paul’s teaching about the consequences for a disciple who continues to only drink the milk of the word. Thereby they ignore its meat or deeper revelations. His exhortation to the Hebrew and everyone else harboring a status-quo relationship with Christ is, “Let us go on to perfection!” This call is fulfilled as the disciple answers the upward call in spiritual education. Moving forward step by educational step results in a mature attitude fortified by submission to the obedience required by the offering. Nothing is more satisfying than an education that positions you in obedient submission to the Lord. Selah!