1 Corinthians 3:2 “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;”
Carnality is a term often used in the Bible as a reference to those who are more concerned with pleasing the body rather than walking with the Lord, this drive towards filling the appetite of the flesh is what it means to be carnal.
1 Corinthians 3:1 “And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ.”
Some have described carnality as an attribute of unbelievers, though true, unbelievers are not exclusive to the plight of carnality. Living to please oneself is the expectation for a person who has no drive to please the Lord. If the Lord is not on the throne of the heart, life is no more than a demonstration of appeasing the one you hold most dear…yourself.
When the Lord rules over the life of a believer, they subject their life to God’s rule in God’s way. Living for Christ is likened to dying to oneself and the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit guides the believer in becoming more like Jesus.
Although Jesus rules in the heart of a believer, the flesh wants to usurp the throne, having held the office previously, it acts like a disposed dictator that wants to regain power.
For those who have not allowed the Lord to take control, the process of carnality causes the spiritual process of growth and maturity to bog down and if not properly dealt with, it leads to an underdeveloped ability to understand God’s Truth, leading to spiritual immaturity.
1 Corinthians 3:3 “for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men?”
A brief survey of those who are carnal is a case demonstration in unrighteousness. Envy, hatred, murder, lust…these are just of few of the attributes demonstrated to the carnal mind, and when God’s ways are not preeminent in an unbelievers life, the ego takes prominence and all that is holy takes a back seat to all that is of the flesh.
Milk is a spiritual metaphor for biblical truth made simple. As a child requires simple nourishment to grow, so an unbeliever requires simple explanations by which to be drawn into a greater understanding of Truth.
Hebrews 6:1 “Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God.”
What is it that hinders someone from growing?
According to Paul, works that are founded in worldly wisdom lack the faith necessary to walk in God’s leading, they reveal a short sided understanding of God’s Truth.
“Spiritual maturity is measured in terms of persevering faith, not perfect behavior”
Andy Stanley
The process of growth is one of an enduring trust in Christ as our guide and protector. Regardless of the circumstances, believers trust that He is faithful wherever He leads and don’t fear when circumstances aren’t going as expected.
Self-Assessment
It can be very difficult for a believer in Christ to give feedback to someone who doesn’t want to receive it. The more someone reveals character that is contrary to God’s character, the more defensive people become. No one likes to be chastised for being a sinner or living unrighteously but for the one who desires to be wise, an honest reflection is often what is needed. If you don’t know of anyone who will give you this kind of feedback, you’re not connected to the body of Christ. The Word of God is sufficient enough to hold up the light of Truth in our lives but we need others to help along the way.
“Maturity in the christian life is measured by only one test: How much closer to His(God’s) character have we become”
Elyse Fitzpatrick
Hebrews 6:9-12 “But, beloved, we are confident of better things concerning you, yes, things that accompany salvation, though we speak in this manner. For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister. And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.”
The work of a believer is the work of God. He dictates the steps of His people and leads them into situations that He ordains. Through the process of seeking Him, listening to His instruction, stepping forward in faith to accomplish the task, and then watching Him be found faithful through trials, the process of spiritual growth is commissioned by God.
Simply put:
- The Lord guides, His people follow.
- The Lord instructs and they listen.
- The Lord commands and they act in obedience.
- The Lord instructs them to wait and then they wait on Him.
Life for the believer is all about loving Jesus and administering His to love others.
As a believer walks in the Spirit, they bring glory to Christ. Spiritually mature believers demonstrate His power as their life is directed by God. It is in the midst of walking in God’s path that God reminds His people how nothing will stand in their way—their confidence grows in Him.
Mark 11:23 “For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says.”
Holy Water
For those who lack faith and consistency in their walk, milk will continue to be the drink of their choosing.
For those who walk in obedience with a full assurance of God’s faithfulness, the water of the Spirit is what continues to flood through their lives.
John 4:14 “but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.”
Not only will the Spirit filled christian be filled to overflowing, others will be given opportunity to partake as well. The joy of the Lord emanates from the life of a believer who knows and walks with Christ. The fruit of the Spirit is continually being produced through faithful lives.
Wine of Wrath
If milk is evident in the nominal believer, the water of life is made manifest in the one who walks in the Spirit, but for those who have rejected the sacrifice of Christ altogether, the wine of wrath awaits.
How do you know if you are a true believer or just one by name only?
Belief is made evident by works. The fruit of the Spirit becomes immediately clear in the person who has been filled with His presence. The love of God overwhelms the heart of the one who has trusted in Him. The desire to connect with other believers becomes paramount, the connection is just too great to neglect. The conviction of sin is present when the Spirit of God rules and any attempt to walk contrary to God’s purposes is met with the conviction of the Spirit.
Whatever spiritual drink you are partaking of, it becomes an indictment for or against your life-
Look closely at yourself, allow others into your life and give them permission to speak truthfully…you will only grow wiser for it!
U.T. 