Sue’s Views
12 Steps to a Good Year (by Derek Prince)
Step 5: Let Us Press On To Maturity
Now we will look at the fifth resolution, found in Hebrews 6:1:
“Therefore, leaving the elementary teaching about the Christ, let us press on to maturity.” (NASB)
To remain static in the spiritual life is almost impossible One very penetrating verse from Proverbs 4:18 reads:
“The path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, that shines brighter and brighter until the full day.” (NASB)
Notice, first of all, that righteousness is a path. A path is something that we move along. A path is never designed for standing still, much less sitting down. Righteousness, as a path, implies motion. It implies progress and development.
When we are walking in the path of righteousness, the light should always be getting brighter on our day. With each step and each day, the light should be brighter than it was before. “Until the full day” describes our destination. “The full day” is the height of noonday. God is not content that we should stop short of that full brightness of the noonday sun. The dawn is our beginning point, the path is the way of progress, and the light gets brighter and brighter. No stopping place is permitted until we reach the full day.
There are two main requirements. First, we must come under the discipline of the God-given ministries Paul has listed: apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. Without that discipline, oversight, and instruction, I do not see how God’s people can ever attain to maturity. Jesus Christ never made a provision that was not important, and I believe this provision is essential.
The second condition is that we must be part of a growing body, not just isolated individuals.
“Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming.” Ephesians 4:14 (NIV)
