Getting back to the basics is a phrase I’ve often heard in church. But is it biblical? Is it right? Should we always be getting back to the basics?

So let us stop going over the basic teachings about Christ again and again. Let us go on instead and become more mature in our understanding. Surely we don’t need to start again with the fundamental importance of repenting from evil deeds and placing our faith in God.

Hebrews 6:1 (NLT)

At what point am I mature enough as a Christian to move beyond the basics? I should not be content to stick with the simple teachings of the Christian faith. Otherwise, what’s the point of my faith at all? If it’s not increasing, it’s diminishing. A diminished faith will soon become a non-existent faith.

You don’t need further instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgement. And so, God willing, we move forward to further understanding.

Hebrews 6:2-3 (NLT)

There I have it. After receiving the teaching that brought about my realisation of my need for salvation, it’s time mature. It is time for me to learn – to crave – the deeper teachings of Jesus. It is time for me to work to increase my faith and not to let it diminish to nothing. It is time for me to put into practice those teachings and to be able to bring others into a spiritual maturity. It is time for me to make my faith my own rather than expecting the faith of others to carry me through.

It’s time for me to grow up.