Are You Choosing Malnourishment?
“Like newborn infants, desire the pure milk of the word, so that you may grow up into your salvation.”
1 Peter 2:2 CSB
Hey friend,
Are you choosing malnourishment over being completely nourished? I know, crazy question, right?! I mean, who would in their right mind really chooses to be malnourished. And yet, if I’m being honest with you, I chose malnourishment more days throughout my life than I chose to be nourished.
Let’s be clear here. I’m not talking about physical nourishment but rather spiritual nourishment. When we believe in and accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we are “birthed” into the family of God. Our sin, which separated us from a holy God, is covered by the blood of Jesus that was shed on the cross for our redemption.
1 Peter 2:2 says, “Like newborn infants, desire the pure milk of the word, so that you may grow up into your salvation.”
I love the illustration that Peter uses here to help us understand how we need to grow as new believers. Just like newborn babies need physical nourishment to grow and develop, Christians need spiritual nourishment to grow and mature in our faith. We find that spiritual nourishment in the pages of God’s Word.
Have you ever noticed that babies don’t need to be told when they should eat? They know when they are hungry, and without fail, will always let someone know when it’s time to eat. Babies eat consistently and regularly day-to-day to gain the nourishment they need to grow and develop into the next phase of life. Babies won’t eat one big meal a week in hopes that it will last them until the next week’s feeding. However, many Christians choose this kind of malnourishment week after week. And yes, I was one of them.
Dear friend, this confession is part of my story but I’m thankful that it isn’t the end of it. If we are ever to become mature believers in Jesus, we must make a daily quiet time with God a priority. We must desire to be in God’s Word. A baby must begin with milk. There is no way their digestive system can handle solid food right from the beginning. However, they won’t stay at this stage forever. Eventually, more foods are added and growth takes place.
The same is true for us spiritually speaking. We must feast on God’s Word daily to grow and mature in our faith. Lysa TerKeurst says, “We must exchange whispers with God before shouts with the world.”
If you struggle with a consistent quiet time with God, trust me, you aren’t alone. The enemy is crafty at sending the perfect distraction at the perfect moment and he has been successful at sidelining me many times.
But I pray that you hear my heart friend. Don’t give up. Your spiritual growth depends on it. And more importantly than that truth, your heavenly Father loves you so and longs to spend time with you.
Dear Jesus,
Thank you for pursing my heart and never giving up on me. Give me a hunger and a desire to spend time with you before I spend time with anyone else. I need you more than I need breath in my lungs. Teach me how to be more like you. I love you! In Jesus Name, Amen.
Dig Deeper:
“Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:2 CSB