“Therefore, putting aside all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander, like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation, if you have tasted the kindness of the Lord.” 1 Peter 2:1-3
As any parent knows, a new baby has a limited menu. They drink milk or a gentle formula that’s just right for their small digestive systems. As they grow, they move up to soft foods that have been specially mixed for easy swallowing. But it’s only when babies cut their teeth that the real joy of eating begins.
God designed the believer’s “appetite” for His Word to work in much the same way. As a young believer, you begin the nourishment process with the milk of Scripture, the elementary principles that lay the groundwork for deeper truths to come. Then as you mature in your relationship with Christ, you’re ready to learn more.
A baby that doesn’t progress to more substantial foods doesn’t keep growing. Something is wrong. It would be unnatural and unhealthy for the baby to drink only milk for an extended period of time. If you don’t move beyond the basics of faith, you soon become spiritually malnourished and cease to develop as God planned.
Are you growing in the Lord? Commit yourself to feeding on God’s Word each day, trusting Him to work His principles into your heart as you obey His direction. The more of His truth you absorb, the more you’ll grow to be like Christ.
Salvation is only the beginning of God’s plan for you!