Twin City church of Christ Blog
“March 14, 2024 - Stuck on Milk”
Categories: 2024 Reading DevotionalsStuck on Milk
Reading: 1 Corinthians 3:1-4
After all this abstract talk about natural and spiritual people, Paul has a rebuke to give. “But I, brothers, could not address you as spiritual people, but as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ”(1 Cor 3:1). Ouch! Paul has to dumb down his words to them—the way we would talk to a young child—because they are spiritual babies. “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 Cor 3:2-3). He continues with the metaphor of raising a child. At some point, the child grows to transition from milk to solid foods; this is a sign of health. Yet the Corinthians are stuck on milk, still struggling to accept and practice the simplest parts of the gospel message. They are old enough in Christ to know better.
Why such strong words? Their actions are demonstrating their lack of growth. No matter how long someone has been a disciple of Jesus, “jealousy and strife” reveal an immature, worldly heart. When such attitudes—and the divisions they inevitably lead to (1 Cor 3:4)—surface, we cannot move on. It is not time to study Revelation or explore the nuances of our soteriology; it is time to start living better and treating one another with love.
Just like we expect children to progress and mature, so God expects us to be growing. Sometimes Christians sit in the same pew decade after decade, carefully reading the Bible and reciting the right answers, yet living in hatred, bitterness, fear, jealousy, and pride. Something is wrong; we are stuck on milk. Spirituality is not a matter of merely having a thrilling personal connection to Jesus. Spirituality is a behavior: sincere love, willing humility, and eager service.
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One Thing to Think About: Does my behavior show that I am a spiritual person?
One Thing to Pray For: Eyes to see my weaknesses and blind spots
