05/18/2021
There are those who profess a faith in Jesus Christ, and refer to themselves as Christians, and yet they live out their lives torn between heaven and earth by trying to be guided by the Spirit while allowing the world to influence them at the same moment. These infants in Christ have not come to grips with what a true life in Christ should look like. Perhaps, if we look at ourselves honestly, we too are like this in some way? We strive in the Spirit, and yet continue dragging our old life behind us like an anchor... an umbilical cord to the world.
“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
When I graduated from high school, I wanted to go off to college and begin my life as an independent man. I wanted to leave my parent’s house and step out on my own; so I packed my things and left home to begin my adult life. However, I was an infant in life on my own, and in dreams I would smell the savory scent wafting from of my mother’s kitchen, and on those days when things were hard, or I was lonely, I longed to go hunting and fishing again with my father. I was struggling to let go of the life I once led. Eventually I did separate myself, and moved into adulthood, but I must confess that even now, in my latter years, there are still times when I long for those smells, the conversations in a fishing boat , and the comforts a child feels in his parent’s home.
When we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior, and come to know God, there is a similar transformation that must occur. Some of us seem to easily leave the world that we once knew behind, while others struggle mightily. God knows who we are, and what our umbilical cord is comprised of. He sent His Son to make severing it possible, and His Holy Spirit to strengthen us, and help us as we use the Word of God to separate us from the carnal world we once knew... to join with Him.
“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.”
Hebrews 4:12-13 ESV
There is a time in everyone’s life when we are caught between childhood, and becoming an adult. It is a tumultuous time of struggle when the newness of our adult bodies and desires wrestles to free us from the umbilical of a childhood we aren’t certain that we want to let go of. The same is true of our spiritual lives, but the sooner we let go of our old selves and wholeheartedly embrace God and Jesus Christ, the more at peace we will be, and the joy of God will fill us as we seek to know Him more each day. In my devotional reading this morning I read these words of wisdom offered by Andrew Murray...
“Do not serve God half-heatedly. Pray that the Holy Spirit will lead you to the wonder of a life wholly surrendered to God’s service.” - Andrew Murray
A man can’t exist as an adult, and a boy, at the same time... he must step fully forward into adulthood, and the same goes for a woman. Trying to hold onto the middle ground between child and adult will not only harm us, but will eventually destroy who we were meant to become... it is the same in our spiritual lives. We must let go of the world, and step with strength into the divine realm of our full spirituality.
“Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.”
1 Corinthians 16:13 ESV
So today we each need to ask ourselves if we will attempt to remain an infant in Christ, or become adults in our faith, and then make the choice to step forward into our fully transformed spiritual life. This choice is not a luxury, but one that must be made, and the consequences are grave... we must be either man or child, hot or cold.
““‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.”
Revelation 3:15-17 ESV
Prayer:
Father, thank you for calling us to your Son Jesus Christ so that we could come to you complete in our belief, and faith. Thank you Father for your Holy Spirit who leads us from infancy to adulthood in our faith, and transforms us fully from worldly creatures into your divine sons and daughters. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you who makes a way for our redemption, and spiritual growth. Thank you for showing each of us the reflection, in our physical life, of our true spiritual life, and how it will mature. You are merciful Lord, and as you see our progress, you make preparation to further us through your Holy Spirit for our next step. Praised be your name for the strength you give us, and for your Word which will sever our connection with the world. Wash away our sin by your amazing grace, that is the blood of Jesus Christ, and find us worthy in Him to be in your presence for eternity. See us Father as your adult children, fully grown in our faith and love of you; able to stand before your throne in praise and worship forevermore.
“From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”
2 Corinthians 5:16-17 ESV
Rich Forbes