Just as babies need milk to grow, Scripture teaches that we—as born again Christians—need “spiritual milk” to mature in our faith.
“Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation.” - 1 Peter 2:2
Although milk is a catalyst for growth, we are designed to dine on solid food. In essence, we are intended to eat meat. When we reach this this level of maturity, we are prepared to change the world for Christ.
In Hebrews, the author admonishes Jewish believers who refuse to wean themselves from milk to feast on the meat of the Word.
“For everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is an infant.” – Hebrews 5:13
“Therefore leaving the elementary teaching about the Christ, let us press on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God.” - Hebrews 6:1
I believe this is a message for the American Church today. While the gospel is exploding around the world, the Church in America is retreating.
This should not be the case.
Winston Churchill reminds us that, “wars are not won by retreating.” Our Christian lives are meant to be on the offense… always moving forward and further aligning our hearts with the truth of God.
Major compromises to God’s truths surround us because our churches are filled with believers whose growth has been stunted. Many are content in knowing their sins are forgiven and they have eternal life, but few engage in the all-out assault on the kingdom of darkness.
So where are you? How do you know if you are off the milk and on the meat?
Milk tells us what we have in Christ. Meat moves us to complete abandonment, surrender, and availability to whatever Jesus wants. Meat eaters wage war on their double-minded approach to life and seek to focus on Christ alone. Meat eaters aim for Jesus in all things.
Oh, brothers and sisters, wherever you are, go deep with Jesus. Whatever you do, walk in the joy of Jesus. Whenever you can, however you can, and no matter what you might lose, make much of Jesus publicly for the glory of God.