November 8, 2011 (Job 33; 1 Corinthians 1-3)
From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:
Scripture: “I had to feed you with milk, not with solid food, because you weren’t ready for anything stronger. And you still aren’t ready,” 1 Corinthians 3:2 NLT
Observation: Paul called the Corinthian church a bunch of infants. He had to feed them with the milk of God’s truth because they were not spiritually healthy enough for anything stronger. They were still being controlled by their sinful nature. They were jealous of one another and constantly quarreled with one another. Within the Corinthian church was a struggle for superiority and the best way to get on top was to pull someone else down. Division was the main theme of the Corinthian church. Paul did not cuddle them and allow them to stay in their present condition; he urged them to grow up!
Application: As Christians we have the responsibility to grow in our faith. We are expected, and required, to grow spiritually continuously. Just as our natural bodies grow and mature so should our spirit. We must put aside foolishness and get serious about our spiritual growth. If we continue to only consume the milk of God’s word, we will become unhealthy and unsatisfied. I believe this to be the number one factor in the high number of “church dropouts”. We are so concerned about peoples “feelings” that we have neglected to provide them the spiritual nourishment that they need to grow healthy and mature. Christian infants need milk, but growing Christian’s need more nourishment than milk can provide.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for this day You have made. Thank You for Your mercy and grace that provide and protect me every day. Thank You for the milk of Your word that satisfied me as an infant, and thank You for the meat of Your word that nourishes me today. Give me the wisdom to know what’s right and the courage to do what’s right, even when it’s hard. In Jesus name, Amen!