UNSKILLED. Hebrews 5:13 The Jewish believers didn’t lack the information needed to know that the basis of their righteousness was imparted to them by the Lord Jesus Christ. “He fulfilled the law and made it honorable.” The law had done its work by making them conscious of sin and its consequences. Those who are “babes” lack experience in practicing what they know and benefiting from what they already have.
Immaturity in believers may stem from a reluctance to move forward because they have found mediocrity in their spiritual lives to be their comfort zone. There is no opposition or persecution when one can blend in with the majority of people around. They generally will not be labeled as bigots or intolerant if they don’t openly discuss their faith in Christ and the need for others to be born again. When there is no difference in lifestyle, dress, pleasure-seeking, business, and outward practices, they find themselves welcomed and accepted into a lifestyle similar to that of most people.
Spiritual maturity results from reading the word of God and applying what the Spirit teaches. Discernment must be learned. It is our responsibility to train our minds, intellects, consciences, commitments, senses, and bodies to do what is right and to reject what is wrong. The word of God must be read, believed, and practiced within its original context; not taken out of context to fit our biases or preferences.
“Unskillful,” or “without experience in the word of righteousness,” is a choice. Willful ignorance is usually the choice of those who do not want to walk in holiness and uprightness that makes them stand out from the world around us. There is a discipline demanded in the challenge of obedience to the Lord. A person may be intellectually able to grasp what is taught and still be a babe in Christ. Knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ may be in the mind. Still, it is not actual knowledge unless it is evident in the daily conduct of our lives, the desires of our hearts, the skill in dealing with our spiritual enemies, and openly seen in our love for Christ, His people, and those who need the Savior.
When love is perfected, knowledge is perfected. When growth is apparent, obedience and honor to God become evident. When reading, meditating on, and applying the word of God is consistent, discernment, perception, and the practice of righteousness lead to wisdom and strong faith.