This is my 11^th entry out of 30 on the word “let” in the Bible

Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, and of instruction about washings, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 

This is a complex and multilayered scripture, but I want to focus on the first part of the first verse. (Anything past “not laying again” is for another time and another article.) The first part of verse 1 is a call to join the move of the Holy Spirit as He draws us away from “being a child, speaking like a child, thinking like a child, and reasoning like a child,” moving “on to maturity” and “giving up childish ways.” (I Corinthians 13)

Walking away from, or leaving, the elementary doctrine of Christ is not outgrowing or forsaking the fundamentals of the faith, and it certainly doesn’t mean disparaging our early experiences. It simply means not staying young and inexperienced and spiritually naïve.

It can be tempting to stay in the shallows, or continue playing in the sandbox, or whatever metaphor one wants to use. We don’t want to be the spiritual equivalent of the 30-year-old living in his parents’ basement whiling away the hours playing video games. Foundations are laid to be built upon, not left as they are. In fact, they can be compromised if there is nothing built on them.

God calls us to move on from early days to more learning, more revelations of who the Lord is, more fruit, and greater love. It can seem challenging to move forward, perhaps leaving behind some friends or some of our enjoyments in the process. What we must remember is that when we determine in our hearts to grow, there is a river of God that takes us from where we are to where He intends us to be. If we will “let” Him, we can begin a journey with Him, directed by Him, where we receive His grace and strength along the way.

If you’re feeling stuck at the moment, LET GO. We’re “stuck” because we’re resisting the move of the Spirit that is working to bring us into a better, higher place spiritually. Do an inventory of what is holding you back—which always includes prayer and may include speaking with a counselor or spiritual friend. Rest assured that this “river of God” that He has prepared for you has a current to take you to His appointed next step.