02/09/2021
Are we maturing each day in our faith, or are we remaining babies in Christ? Paul found that many of the Corinthians had not advanced in their faith, and I look at the church today, and see that we have fallen into that same trap in our modern faith... we don’t open ourselves up fully to the Spirit. We remain convinced that we can fix our own problems without leaning on God, and thus we are trapped in a form of spiritual infancy.
“But I, brothers, could not address you as spiritual people, but as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ.”
1 Corinthians 3:1 ESV
This has been a constant struggle in the church, and among Christians, since the early days of Christianity. We profess our belief, and yet we don’t give ourselves completely to God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. We remain in a constant struggle within ourselves between the carnal man we are attempting to leave behind, and the spiritual man we seek to become. Listen to the words of Andrew Murray as he describes this problem in his time...
“This is the sad condition of the church. The majority of her members remain carnal, constantly falling victim to the sinful nature. Such Christians have little insight into spiritual truth, enjoy meager daily fellowship with God, and fail to lay hold of His promises.” - Andrew Murray
Sadly, this remains the condition of the church today; we can’t let go of the nature of the world, and as a result we aren’t walking stride for stride abreast of Jesus, but remain at a distance... just close enough to recognize Him, but not near enough to clearly hear His voice. I hope this is not you, but to avoid this requires daily spiritual effort, and continuous prayer.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.”
Proverbs 3:5-8 ESV
To succeed at becoming a spiritual man or woman, it takes more than reading the Bible, or memorizing scripture, it requires that we live out God’s Word in our everyday lives, and not merely know the commandments of Jesus, but take them into our heart and live them. It isn’t enough to believe, no, we must give up everything we are to Jesus, and follow Him. Remember the story of the wealthy young man? Well, he believed didn’t he?
“The young man said to him, “All these I have kept. What do I still lack?” Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.”
Matthew 19:20-22 ESV
So, who are we? Are we spiritually mature men and women, or perpetual infants in our faith? We all know someone in our lives who is a full grown man or woman, but still acts in a childish manor. You know them all too well; it’s the person who is 30, 40, 50, or 60, years old but still conducts and lives their life as if they were in college, or even high school. They have never been able to enter into mature society, and can’t seem capable of cutting the ties they have to who they once were. They are not parents to their children, but peers, and visit their frat house every time they return to campus as if they still belonged there. Is this who we are spiritually? Have we chosen to remain infants, adolescents, or even young adults, in our faith?
“Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.”
Colossians 1:28-29 ESV
Prayer:
Father, thank you for bringing us into our faith as babies, and children, who seek you in our innocence, and desire to be with you always, acknowledging you as our Father. But we thank you all the more for leading us into a mature adult faith, one in which we can be in perfect relationship with you, and become brothers and sisters with your Son Jesus. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God with whom we desire to walk with in the garden, and to converse with in mature conversation. Praised be you name Lord for rearing us in our faith, and sending us into the world as fully formed Christians to deliver new infants into your care. Great are you who defends and provides for us as we walk beside you; obeying, and doing your will. All glory is your Father, and we relinquish it to you as fully mature Christians. Wash us clean Lord Jesus in your cleansing blood, and deliver us as mature men and women of faith to your Father... fully committed to faith, and leaning always on Him. Present us worthy to Him, and ready for eternity in His presence.
“I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it. And even now you are not yet ready, for you are still of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way?”
1 Corinthians 3:2-3 ESV
Rich Forbes