“When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways. 1 Corinthians 13:11–12 ESV

Every human being begins life by drinking milk and slowly graduates to solid food. Milk is essential for survival as a baby, but for growth it becomes necessary to step into solid food. Our bodies grow and expand, and that growth requires nourishment to support those milestones. We all know that babies who receive good nourishment grow strong, while those with poor intake may fall under the spectrum of malnutrition. Some mothers even become very concerned about their child’s growth and constantly keep feeding them.

In the same way, the Bible teaches us that spiritual life also begins with infancy but should never remain there.

Most of us remember our childhood years fondly. During that time we trusted everyone and believed everyone. We had little discernment, and at the same time we were not bold enough to deal with people or situations on our own. We depended on others for help and guidance.

When a child speaks, parents often find it cute and amusing. But the same parents would not appreciate it if, as adults, we continued to talk, behave, or think like children. They constantly remind us to grow up and act according to our age.

The Word of God teaches the same principle for our spiritual lives. We are not meant to remain in spiritual childhood forever. We are expected to grow in the Word, mature in our understanding, and live according to what God teaches us.

“You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food. For someone who lives on milk is still an infant and doesn’t know how to do what is right. Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong.”

Hebrews 5:12–14 NLT

When we first come to the Lord, we may know very little about the Word of God, the history of the Bible, or the life and teachings of Jesus. That is natural in the beginning. But if many years pass and we still know nothing about His teachings and truth, it shows that we are still living in spiritual childhood and have not grown.

For example, as a new believer you may have needed others to pray for you and support you in prayer. But as you grow in the Lord, God expects you to move beyond that stage and begin praying for others. At one time you may have relied only on the Word preached by a minister on Sundays, but God desires that you grow in that area and encourage yourself daily by reading and meditating on His Word.

God expects us to grow in love, patience, humility, faith, and in the knowledge of Him. The Word of God is the essential food for spiritual growth, and we must consume it abundantly if we want to grow in our relationship with God.

As we grow spiritually, we must put away childish ways—speaking in disbelief, lacking discernment, and depending on others for our entire spiritual life. Instead, we should become mature believers who are able to help, guide, and strengthen others in the Lord.

This is a wake-up call for all of us. Our Abba Father desires to see His children grow into spiritually mature men and women, not remain spiritually weak or dependent.

It is good to feel young at heart, but not to remain childish in our practical life—and certainly not in our walk with Christ. Each day we grow older whether we like it or not, and with that growth comes maturity. In the same way, God also expects maturity in our spiritual lives.

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Help us grow in our walk with You. Teach us to move beyond spiritual infancy and to mature in Your Word. Fill us with wisdom, discernment, and understanding so that we may live according to Your truth. Strengthen our faith and help us become a blessing to others as we grow in You.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.