More Than Helpful

God's purpose in bringing us to faith in Christ is not just so that we can be better people who can be helpful to others.  I have met some very nice, very kind and helpful people who could not be less interested in hearing about Jesus much less in following him.
 In Hebrews Paul commended the Christians to whom he wrote for the way they demonstrated their love for God by helping "His people" (Hebrews 6:10).  However, he was also critical of their lack of spiritual growth (Hebrews 5:11-12).
One might ask, "What's the big deal about spiritual growth if people are being kind and helpful?"  It's not a big deal unless Jesus expects more from his followers than being good people.  It seems that he does!  Remember the Great Commission? Jesus said, "Go and make disciples" (Matthew 28:19), not 'Go and be good and helpful people'.
This is what Paul was getting at where he said to these followers of Jesus, ". . .by this time you ought to be teachers. . ." (Hebrews 5:12).  Teachers, not spiritual first graders!  Spiritual first graders aren't equipped to "go and make disciples" (Hebrews 5:13).  They can be good, kind and helpful people but that's about it!
God didn't bring you to Jesus to stay where you are.  You were rescued from sin and death to GO; to GO on to maturity in the faith; to GO on growing in the knowledge and grace of Jesus Christ; to GO and introduce others to the Savior.  Now that's being helpful; REALLY helpful!