"But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil." The Hebrews writer rebukes the Hebrew Christians for their immaturity in their faith in Christ. The writer claims the Hebrew Christians should have matured enough in the faith to instruct others about the Kingdom of God, but they seem not to have progressed to spiritual adulthood. He says that spiritually they need milk instead of solid food. In other words, they act like spiritual babies who require someone to feed them milk instead of grown-up Christians who can feed themselves solid food. The Hebrews writer identifies a Christian who is spiritually mature as one who has the ability to discern between good and evil--to know what is God's will and what is not (cf. Genesis 3:5). This ability is acquired by constant practice--by feeding oneself spiritually. What kind of practice might train you to distinguish good from evil? Certainly the spiritual disciplines of Bible study and prayer can help you hone your discernment skills. So practice every day and grow up into a healthy, mature Christian!
