June 19 – Knowing Right from Wrong

 

Hebrews 5:14

"But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil."

SITREP:

Have you ever realized that surviving a mission isn't just about following orders—it’s about reading the field, identifying threats, and making split-second decisions that align with the mission's purpose? Hebrews 5:14 reminds every soldier that maturity in faith isn’t automatic—it’s forged through constant, deliberate training.

Breaking Down the Verse:

"But solid food is for the mature," — Spiritual maturity demands deeper nourishment. Surface-level faith won’t sustain a soldier under heavy fire.

"who by constant use" — Battle readiness doesn’t come from theory—it comes from daily repetition and practice.

"have trained themselves" — Training is intentional. You don't stumble into strength—you build it.

"to distinguish good from evil." — Discernment is part of the mission kit. Recognizing threats and opportunities clearly is a hallmark of a seasoned warrior.

The writer of Hebrews speaks to believers who were tempted to stagnate, content with basics when the battlefield demanded soldiers who could handle the weight of truth. True maturity is tested not in comfort, but in the chaos of real engagement.

How This Strengthens a Soldier’s Faith:

Every warrior knows that training doesn’t stop once you hit the field. Constant use of your skills is what keeps you alive and effective. Hebrews 5:14 brings that same reality into spiritual life: maturity comes through active engagement—not occasional effort.

For the combat veteran, this verse digs deep. Training didn't end after boot camp. Missions demanded constant readiness, physical conditioning, tactical awareness, and a mind sharp to recognize danger and opportunity. Faith is no different. It requires constant application, consistent discipline, and deliberate pursuit of what is right.

Solid food—heavy, substantive truth—is meant for those who aren’t content with survival-level faith. It’s for warriors who want to thrive, lead, and live out their calling with precision and discernment.

Discerning good from evil isn’t automatic. It's trained. It's honed. It’s battle-tested through day-by-day engagement with God's Word, prayer, and obedience in the small choices that build up to great victories.

ENDEX:

You weren’t called to survive on scraps—you were built to thrive on solid food. Soldier, embrace the training. Press deeper into God's truth. Strengthen your discernment by constant engagement with His Word and His ways. The battlefield demands mature warriors who can read the field, recognize the real enemy, and respond with unwavering clarity. Eat well. Train hard. Fight strong.

AAR:

Are you sharpening your senses, or just coasting on what you learned years ago? Hebrews 5:14 says that solid food is for the mature, for those who’ve trained themselves to distinguish good from evil. That word—trained—ought to hit like a field drill. So here’s the question: are you actively developing spiritual discipline, or letting your edge dull? You’ve trained your body and instincts for combat, but have you done the same for your discernment? If not, you’re walking into spiritual battles with your gear half-on. Don’t mistake age in the faith for maturity in the fight. Stay in training.

Keeping Your Spiritual Reflexes Combat-Ready

You’ve done repetition drills until your reactions became second nature. Hebrews 5:14 applies that same discipline to your walk with Christ. For the combat veteran, this verse reframes spiritual growth as intentional conditioning. Discernment isn’t automatic—it’s built through exposure to God’s Word, through testing, correction, and time under pressure. Maturity isn’t measured by how long you’ve been in the ranks—it’s shown by how clearly you see what’s right, what’s wrong, and what’s worth engaging. Don’t settle for spiritual milk when you’re called to feast on solid doctrine. Stay sharp. Stay hungry. Keep training until wisdom becomes instinct—and your reflexes honor your Commander every time.

Make your voice count—share what you’ve lived.

Share your experiences in the comments below. Your words could encourage someone else walking a similar path.

If you're comfortable, include as much or as little personal detail as you’d like. We suggest:

• Name
• Veteran, Retired, Family Member etc.
• Service Branch
• Years of Service (or Deployment Dates and Locations)

Every story matters—and yours might be exactly what someone else needs to hear.