A MARK OF MATURITY

Did you notice anything surprising about the last verse of the four cited in yesterday's post?

That would be Hebrews 5:14 - "But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil."

Here is what I find curious: the author of Hebrews says that one thing which marks spiritual maturity is being able to "distinguish good from evil" ... after a whole lot of practice and "training". 

But isn't the difference between good and evil so very obvious that even an extremely immature believer can figure out the difference? (In fact, can't even most non-believers do it?)

I mean, murder is evil. Going to church is good. Drunkenness is evil. Being nice to people is good. Greed is evil. Giving is good. 

That's not difficult. Right?

But Jesus comes along and says, “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister  will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell." (Matthew 5:21-22)

But hold on a minute. Getting angry with a fellow believer subjects me to judgment? But (I protest) my anger is always righteous!

Calling someone stupid and inferior ("raca") or a fool puts my soul in danger? But what if they are stupid and inferior? 

And there is Jesus patiently reminding us that perhaps our God has a more comprehensive understanding of good and evil. And higher standards of holiness.

This might take some training ...