Spiritual Infants
The Bible is very clear that there are levels of spiritual maturity among believers. It is important for all of us to consider this personally, so we know where we are and where we need to be in our relationship with the Lord. When the apostle Paul wrote to the believers in Corinth, he told them that he had to write to them as "babes in Christ." We might call this being "spiritual infants" in today's language. (I Corinthians 3:1) What did he mean? Let's take a closer look.
Paul said that spiritual infants were "carnal" and not "spiritual." This is an important distinction. To be carnal means to follow the desires of the flesh, but to be spiritual is to follow the leadership of the Holy Spirit. That is why he follows this by calling them babes in Christ. How does a baby act? It is all about their physical needs and selfish desires. They cry and whine when they do not get what they want to eat or drink. They pitch a fit if they are not held when they want to be held. If they get mad, there is no consoling them until they cool down. This is much the same as a spiritual infant. They want things their way. They do not care about the needs of others, but they want their needs met right now. If they get upset, they hold grudges for a long time.
However, when we grow as believers, we begin to put Jesus and the needs of others first. We know that we must be diligent to serve the Lord, because that is what He did for us. Therefore, we sacrifice, so that we can obey Him and be a good witness and minister to others. We no longer live by the fleshly desires, but by the direction and power of the Spirit.
Read all of what the Lord inspired Paul to write in I Corinthians 3:1-9. Take a close look at your relationship with Christ, and be honest with yourself and God. Where are you at in your spiritual life? Are you more of a spiritual infant or a spiritually mature believer? The Spirit will show you clearly, if you ask Him and you listen closely. Then, He will show you what to do to grow in the Lord.
Tomorrow, I intend to read I Corinthians 5-7.
Paul said that spiritual infants were "carnal" and not "spiritual." This is an important distinction. To be carnal means to follow the desires of the flesh, but to be spiritual is to follow the leadership of the Holy Spirit. That is why he follows this by calling them babes in Christ. How does a baby act? It is all about their physical needs and selfish desires. They cry and whine when they do not get what they want to eat or drink. They pitch a fit if they are not held when they want to be held. If they get mad, there is no consoling them until they cool down. This is much the same as a spiritual infant. They want things their way. They do not care about the needs of others, but they want their needs met right now. If they get upset, they hold grudges for a long time.
However, when we grow as believers, we begin to put Jesus and the needs of others first. We know that we must be diligent to serve the Lord, because that is what He did for us. Therefore, we sacrifice, so that we can obey Him and be a good witness and minister to others. We no longer live by the fleshly desires, but by the direction and power of the Spirit.
Read all of what the Lord inspired Paul to write in I Corinthians 3:1-9. Take a close look at your relationship with Christ, and be honest with yourself and God. Where are you at in your spiritual life? Are you more of a spiritual infant or a spiritually mature believer? The Spirit will show you clearly, if you ask Him and you listen closely. Then, He will show you what to do to grow in the Lord.
Tomorrow, I intend to read I Corinthians 5-7.