We measure life by milestones of accomplishment – first time riding the bike, passing the test for driver’s license, graduation, etc. It is vital that we understand what those milestones represent, and what they do not represent. What they do represent is the ability to learn, to grow, to be instructed. What they do not represent, however, is equally important. They are not permission slips to stop learning, growing, progressing. This is particularly vital in terms of our spiritual walks. Baptism, victories over temptation, the grasp of spiritual truth – these are signs of the work of grace in our lives, but we do not depend on them, we do not rest on them, and we should not cease from striving for additional growth. The call of God to the Christian is to follow Him and to keep following Him. It is to apply and continue to apply our ears to instruction. The follower of Jesus Christ does not continue to listen to God to earn more merit badges, but he does continue to follow because He has found in Jesus Christ and His truth the fullness for his own emptiness. Today is a good opportunity to examine your own approach to God. Are you continuing to apply yourself to His instruction, or did you peak at some past milestone?