Are you a Babe or an Adult?

"I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able; for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men?" 1 Corinthians 3:1-2

For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil." Hebrews 5:12-14

These verses illustrate how there are babes (babies) in Christ, as well as grown ups in Christ. At the beginning of our Christian walk we are all babies as we are "new creatures" in Christ, so we feed on milk or easily digestible teachings until we grow stronger. Gradually, and as we are willing to spend time with God and learn from his Word, we mature in our Christian walk to the point where we are fully grown. We can then take solid food and instruction and learn to discern both good and evil so that we can learn to be overcomers of evil, rather than to be overcome of evil. The learning process does not stop.

Growth generally requires trial and error and sometimes great pain, as we go through the refinement process to become perfected as the Bride of Christ. Years ago, I learned a wonderful hymn, the words to which helped me to comprehend that the refinement process is a natural part of our growth even when it hurts. The words are "Some through the water, some through the flood, some through the fire, but all through the blood. Some in great sorrow but God gives a song, in the night season and all the day long."

I desire to be fully grown in Christ, not forever a babe. Sometimes that means being brutally honest with oneself and with others, but only in love and for the point of growth - not for judging. Judgement and revenge are up to God not to us. Sometimes too it is challenging when another does not see our words and/or actions as loving or they believe that we are outside of what they feel is God's purpose in our lives. It is important, very important as individual Christians to seek God's purpose in both our words and our actions and ensure they line up with his Word. If they do not, we need to revise ourselves, but ultimately we are accountable to God and not to man. Each of us will stand before the throne of God some day and give an account for everything we have said and done. Remember that God sent his son Jesus to die on the cross not to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved (John 3:17). He loves us so much.

How about you today? Have you been challenged in your Christian walk when you realize you are not perfect? Are you able to accept God's unfailing love and realize that he does not condemn you but his greatest desire is that you might grow up in Christ and be an overcomer? None of us is perfect, least not I and I've been made aware of my imperfections so many times. That is why I need God so much. Iam totally nothing without Him and I long to have Him embrace me and show me his boundless love.

My prayer is that I can learn to completely lean on God for direction and guidance, love and instruction each day. I want to move forward to fulfil His calling in my life because I have learned that His way is always better than my way. Trust me, that lesson did not come easy. For me, that call includes, helping the orphans and widows in Africa though I also try to do my bit here, closer to home. I'd like to encourage you in your walk and let you know that God loves you. He loves you so much that he sent his son to die for you and he has a plan for your future which is greater than any plan you could make for yourself. I also encourage you to lean on Him for whatever it is that He has called you to do today.

"Abba Father, thank you for bearing our sorrows and our sins and dying on the cross to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Thank you so much for your Word, your daily provision and for the love and mercy you show us each day.

I pray that your Word would lead us into truth, righteousness and the ability to discern both good and evil, so that we might stand strong in the last days.

Bless those who read this blog. Speak to and comfort each one Lord, in their specific areas of need and in the deepest part of their hearts. Whatever their need is Lord, whether it be for food and shelter, health, love, peace, security, joy, employment, finances, forgiveness, salvation, for a broken heart or spirit, or whatever else it might be. Oh God, speak to them and let them know of your boundless love for them. Draw them closer to you so they might find shelter, hope and a renewed spirit.

Bring peace to the Nations of the world wherever there is strife, including Kenya, Lord. Show your people that you are strong on behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward you. Let your people know that you and your heavenly army are with them, and for them. Guide the rest of us to pray and to do as your spirit leads, so that your Kingdom may come and your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. In Jesus' precious name I ask, Amen."

Sis PJ