As we grow and develop from children to adults, there are sure to be times in our lives when we will take steps to becoming free-standing human beings. However, as parents, letting go can be difficult.
As Christians, we know God the Father wants us to follow His commandments and instructions. Too often, though, we try to obey but our old "flesh" keeps resurfacing.
Sometimes this is because of ignorance. Maybe we simply don't realize that a certain lifestyle isn't meant to be the norm for believers. However, the primary reason believers live in a fleshly manner is because we haven't made up our mind who will serve and allow to be in control of our life.
Maybe there's something we're unwilling to surrender to God - it could be a desire, habit, or source of security. Another possibility is that we have sensed His call on our lives but are running from Him in fear or rebellion.
The consequences of living this way are devastating. Without submitting to the Spirit, the carnal Christian is spiritually immature and ruled by desires, rights, and expectations. Because he has not applied previously learned biblical truths (compared to milk), he cannot understand the deeper things of Scripture (likened to solid food). The result is stunted spiritual growth.
If you find yourself described here, be encouraged. You don't have to remain in this condition. What are you holding on to? I know personally that letting go can be very difficult, but the power of almighty God resides within you through His Spirit. Relax your grip, surrender to Him, and rely on His strength.
In order for you to grow from infant Christian to mature Christian, you must learn discernment. You must train your conscience, your senses, your mind and your body to distinguish good from evil. Can you recognize temptation before it traps you? Can you tell the difference between a correct use of Scripture and a mistaken one?
Our capacity to feast on deeper knowledge of God ("solid food") is determined by our spiritual growth. Too often we want God's banquet before we are spiritually capable of digesting it. As you grow in the Lord and put into practice what you have learned your capacity to understand will also grow.
The Bible tells us in Proverbs 22:6, "Train up a child in the way he should go..." But be sure you go that way yourself.
Blessings!
Comments