In Hebrews 5:11-14, the author addresses an issue which still plagues churches today. That plague is spiritually immature members. We all start out that way. The Christian faith is a journey that Jesus described as being born again (John 3). When we first enter a saving relationship with the Lord Jesus, it is a new beginning in God's sight. But as spiritual infants, we are expected to develop spiritually. A steady diet of the scriptures, a disciplined prayer time, the encouragement and nurture of a good church family, and the attention of a faithful spiritual mentor are all integral to the maturing process.
SO, it is not only the responsibility of the Christian to grow, but also the responsibility of the corporate church and individual mentors to help converts become disciples. A disciple is a student, a learner. When we come to faith in the Lord Jesus, we become lifelong learners. As we mature in faith, we also become teachers and mentors to others.
Think about it. Someone taught you to speak, to eat with utensils, to use the potty, to make your bed, to drive a car, to shoot a gun, and to swim. Do you get the picture? That is called mentoring. In the Christian world it is called discipling.
Do not be satisfied in a stunted relationship with the Lord Jesus. It will not make either of you happy. He desires for you to grow and mature in faith, which results in becoming more like Him.
I often tell my congregation every other Christian you meet is someone you can learn from or someone you can teach. The Holy Spirit will help you to discern which it is if you wish to grow and help others to grow. Then, as now, the church was plagued by converts who were too lazy, undisciplined, or unwilling to be discipled. Do not be one of them!! Find yourself a mentor, then find someone to mentor. How will we know how to live a life that brings glory to the Father if no one teaches us. Get off the formula and get into the meat of God's word. Stop being a consumer Christian and start being a contributing Christian. Do not settle for being a cultural Christian. Start being a radical disciple of the Lord Jesus. Do not be content to know much about Jesus. Instead, desire strongly just to know Him more intimately. It just might change your life, your family, your church, and your community.
