Milk or Meat- Determines Babies Defeat

3 Part Series

Part 3

This is part three of a three part series where we have been learning about the difference between Mature Christians versus Baby Christians.

Christ became the sacrificial lamb that was sacrificed on the cross in order that the fellowship between God and man which had been broken in the garden by sin might be restored. As believers we enjoy gifs of that sacrifice, gifts such as we can now enjoy an intimate relationship with God because our sins are washed away by the blood of Christ, the gift of forgiveness, redemption and eternal life.

All gifts come with conditions. First, you have to believe there is a gift, second, you have to be willing to be the recipient of the gift, and third you have to accept the gift. Some gifts have additional conditions that you have to meet in order to keep the gift looking like new. This gift of salvation comes to us with a few of those additional conditions. One such condition is that we must show love one to another. (John 13:35), Another is that we share this wonderful gift with those around us. (Matthew 28:19). We can’t share that gift if we remain baby Christians any more than a newborn infant can share how good a juicy T-Bone steak is.

In order to be what Christ wants us to be and to truly enjoy and share the gift he offers us we must get to the point in our Christian walk that we are Mature meat eating Christians.

What is meat and how do we eat it? Meat is the spiritual principles of God. It is the fruits of the Holy Spirit. It is a deeper understanding of the nature and grace of God. It is obtaining a place in your life where God is first, where He reigns supreme in all areas.

How do you begin to digest spiritual meat? First, Go to church as much as possible. You need to be receiving teaching and fellowship with other believers.

We have all heard people say that they are believers but that they don’t have to go to church to serve the Lord they can worship Him and pray to him at home. My response to that is a greek word that Pastor Sam has taught us “bologna.” Of course there are those that are home bound that have no ability to go to church but for those that can and don’t, that is a spiritual sign of immaturity. People that are mature in Christ want to be in His house, feeling his presence and fellowshipping with their brothers and sisters. Not only that but God told us in His word that we are to do so. (Hebrews 10:25)

Second, read Gods word, read Christian books, listen to worship music. Fill your soul, heart and mind with the outward things of God and watch as you grow inward in a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit.

Third, Associate with fellow believers. 2 Corinthians 14 says Be not unequally yoked with unbelievers: for what fellowship have righteousness and iniquity? or what communion hath light with darkness?

As baby Christians, you don’t have the ability or understanding to be feeding another baby. This does not mean you cannot share the word or testimony...of course you can...but you are not prepared to disciple them...you need to get them connected with someone that can.

I Corinthians 15:33 says “Be not deceived: Evil companionships corrupt good morals.” To become a mature Christian, you need to surround yourself with those that can teach you, exhort you and yes even correct you on the ways of God.

Fourth, Obey the scripture. Pay your tithes. Give offerings, Don’t Gossip or cause dissention among the fellowship. Of course, to obey the Word you must know the Word. This comes by studying it and hearings it taught.

So how do we as mature Christian nurture baby ones? First recognize them as such, understand they need milk...that is teaching, discipleship, love and forgiveness. Love them, Be patient with them, Pray daily for their growth and development in the Lord. Don’t be afraid to correct them, but do it in love. Don’t throw them into a ministry where they are required to feed others meat when they can’t even chew it themselves yet.

If you have been a Christian for a long time then it is time for you to grow up if you haven’t yet! God needs you as a soldier in His kingdom not as a baby to be toted around and coddled. Pastor Sam and this church need you as a warrior to uphold him during warfare. Those that are lost need you to lead them as a strong tower into the knowledge of God, and more importantly, you need to for yourself, so that you can experience the wonderful gift of intimacy with Christ.

Rita Sanders