Establishing the Foundation

Scripture: Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. Hebrews 6:1-2

Observation: The write of Hebrews is striving to encourage his Jewish audience that they should ... already know more. He has already pointed out that they should have matured to the point of being teachers by now, not still those who need "milk" (aka basic teachings). In this, he provides here a list of those teachings that are basic and foundational, and which therefore he does not wish to cover further. They are ... repentance by faith and not works, the purpose of baptism, the practice of caring for others through prayer and laying on of hands, the truth about eternal life in Christ, and the similar truth about eternal judgment.

These are the basics; the lessons all believers - especially Jews - should understand and accept pretty willingly when it comes to Christian faith. They shouldn't even need to be discussed anymore, as they are so core to Christianity that one cannot be Christian without already understanding them. And in fact, reworded, these items constitute only three concepts that remain core to the Church:

1) Redemption by faith in Jesus alone
2) Salvation and eternal life through that same faith
3) Alignment to the great commission, to baptize others into the faith, and teach them to love one another

That's it.

Application: I know I need to continue to improve in loving others. This is the one area of my core understanding of Jesus where I struggle. Certainly, that has to do with my understanding of how others of treated me, and yet that is not something Jesus concerns himself with when he gives us the commands to love others. I am to love others not because they treat me well, but because God loves me first.

The love of others is so core, that it is simply part of 'the foundation' ... it isn't even worth discussing anymore because believers should just understand it already. My struggle with it, then, it what truly holds me back from deepening my relationship with God. It is the place where my foundation is a bit crumbly, and thus he cannot build more upon it.

Prayer: Lord, you have begun a work in my heart to correct and guide how I see others. Please continue that good work, softening my heart. I sincerely desire to love others more and more, for as I do I recognize it will also distance my mind from past hurt. I desire this, as I desire your love and your spirit in my life. Thank you for giving me opportunities to love others. May I grow more and more in this area, for your glory. Amen.