GROWING OLDER OR GROWING UP?

Spiritually some have grown older without growing up. This is not a new phenomonen--it

was a problem over 1900 years ago. “For when by reason of the time ye ought to be teachers, ye

have need again that some one teach you the rudiments of the first principles of the oracles of

God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of solid food. For every one that par-

taketh of milk is without experience of the word of righteousness; for he is a babe. But solid food

is for fullgrown men, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern

good and evil” (Heb. 5:12-14). Again, “And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto

spiritual, but as unto carnal, as unto babes in Christ. I fed you with milk, not with meat; for ye

were not yet able to bear it: nay, not even now are ye able; for ye are yet carnal: for whereas

there is among you jealousy and strife, are ye not carnal, and do ye not walk after the manner of

men?” (1 Cor. 3:1-3). God has provided all that we need to grow up and reach maturity in

Christ. Paul wrote, “When I was a child, I spake as a child, I felt as a child, I thought as a child:

now that I am become a man, I have put away childish things” (1 Cor. 13:11). Paul also wrote,

“Brethren, be not children in mind: yet in malice be ye babes, but in mind be men” (1 Cor.

14:20). Peter wrote, “Yes, and for this very cause adding on your part all diligence, in your faith

supply virtue; and in your virtue knowledge; and in your knowledge self-control; and in your

self-control patience; and in your patience godliness; and in your godliness brotherly kindness,

and in your brotherly kindness love” (2 Pet. 1:5-7).

Let’s all determine that we will grow up as we grow older in Christ.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: If we feed our faith on God’s Word our fears will starve to

death.

Have a great week!

Love ya,

Jesse