“And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual men, but as to men of flesh, as to infants in Christ.” 1 Corinthians 3:1
There’s nothing wrong with a baby acting like a baby. But there’s something terribly wrong when a teenager acts like a baby. Likewise, believers should not remain in the same spiritual condition year after year, but should grow continually. Would you recognize signs of spiritual immaturity in your own life? Here are a few questions to help you take inventory.
First, do you find much of the Bible confusing? “I gave you milk to drink, not solid food; for you were not yet able to receive it…” (v2). The elementary teachings of Scripture, such as God’s unconditional love and forgiveness, are appealing because they point to what God does for us. The milk, however, is preparation for the meat. Experiencing God’s love opens the door to learning about His sovereignty, holiness, and righteousness.
Next, how diligently do you study the Bible? Understanding deep biblical truth requires a teachable heart, but it also requires time. We have to put forth the effort to study—to partake of the meatier parts of Scripture.
“Concerning him we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary 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 not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is an infant” (Hebrews 5:11-13).
Do you frequently exercise poor judgment? Ignoring difficult passages leads to a lack of discernment. “But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil” (Hebrews 5:14). Developing godly discernment is key to taking a godly direction.
Finally, how easily do you revert to your old nature? “For since there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not fleshly, and are you not walking like mere men?” (v3). We excuse this kind of behavior with, “I’m only human.” Not so! We can overcome the desires of the flesh because the divine nature of Christ resides within us and empowers us.
Which signs of spiritual immaturity do you recognize in your own life? As followers of Jesus we should never stop growing spiritually. So, don’t settle for the life of a baby Christian. No matter how long you live, there is always more to learn by feeding on the solid food of God’s Word.