Milk Over Meat: The Mature Christian's Diet

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 3:2

I gave you milk to drink, not solid food; for you were not yet able to receive it.  Indeed, even now you are not yet able,

Insights:  We saw the contrast between infants and men in verse one.  Paul continues this contrasting by moving to what infants and men eat.  Infants drink milk because their bodies are not capable of digesting solid food properly.  Mature people, however, eat solid foods.  Over the next three days we will mention three characteristics that define mature people.  The first is our diets.  In Hebrews 5:10-14 we are told that milk represents what Jesus DID on earth, while meat concerns what He is DOING now in heaven.  In other words, the milk is the facts we know about Jesus’ earthly ministry.  Facts like: He was born of a virgin.  He performed miracles.  He died on a cross.  He rose from the dead.  These facts are the elementary realities of our faith.  The work Jesus is doing presently in heaven, however, is the meat of our faith.  This work is the relational work Jesus does as our High Priest who represents us before God our Father in the heavenly realm.  As we grow in the grace of Christ the peace He provides grows deeper and more profound.   The joy we experience becomes richer and sweeter as we mature in Christ.  The boldness and confidence of our faith is expanded and stretched as we learn to trust Jesus more.  So, how do we mature in this solid food?  There are many ways we mature, but one primary way.  That way is having a daily quite time with Jesus.  Open the Bible and prayerfully work through the Scriptures and ask Jesus to apply His word to your life.  You will be challenged with the relational truths and it will compel you to respond more boldly.  If you are not in the habit of systematically reading through the Scriptures, let me challenge you to start reading through the Gospel of John and ask Jesus to grow your faith.  I would also challenge you to journal your findings with the Lord.  Allow it to be a tool you can go back to and read, observe, and evaluate your spiritual growth.  Beloved, let God be glorified in your life as you mature.

Questions:

1. What kind of “food” are you eating?
2. Why do we often times have a propensity for “junk food”?

Prayer: Father, You know what I truly need in my life.  Help me to surrender to Your will regarding the “food” I consume and let my life be healthy for You.  Amen.