This post by kathylarkman was originally published at GRACE PLACE
Kathy Larkman, contributor for today’s blog post
“Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.” 1 Peter 2:2-3 NIV
Last week I met my third grandchild! My grand daughter, Sloane, is four months old and such a blessing! Sweet little coos and smiles as well as hungry cries consistently emanate from this little poppet. There is never a doubt when she is ready for her milk! When the bottle comes into her vision, she wails even more loudly until she latches on to the bottle. Her eyes roll back into her head as she murmurs sweetly- and she always…always….has a hunger for more in about three hours!
In the verse for today, Peter tells us to long for “spiritual milk” (biblical truth) so that we may grow up (become mature) in our salvation. Peter is using the “milk” word picture to point out how eagerly we should consume the Word of God; just like my grand daughter Sloane whose singular focus and enthusiasm is evident when it is time for her feeding.
The Word of God in Scripture is where and how we grow in holiness and love others properly; where God reveals who He is-His character and our salvation in Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit draws us to His love and grace. As we cooperate with the Holy Spirit, God wakes us up to what it is to be His children. It is a way of life-not an add on where we fit God in with our own desires and agendas. No, it changes us! The darkness which covers our understanding is taken away as we follow the Lord. And as we follow the Lord, we are transformed into the likeness of Christ more and more. (2 Corinthians 3:18)
So let’s ask ourselves these questions:
Do we crave the Word of God with a singular focus and enthusiasm like Sloane has for her milk?
Or, are we indifferent, thinking that the study of Scripture doesn’t really contribute to our Christian maturity? Or worse, are we just going through the motions of being a “decent person” and trying to use God for our own ends?
Sadly, for many years I stumbled along this indifferent road, and sat miserably on the unhappy and disillusioned fence of living like the culture around me and trying to fit in God and His ways where it suited me. I was deceived into thinking that the lifelong process of reading/studying the Bible wasn’t vital to knowing God and realizing His love and grace for me. But God wouldn’t have it! I became so miserable, that as I cried out to Him, the Holy Spirit began to open my deceived eyes and heart. I began to understand that God’s grace doesn’t stop at salvation, (Romans 5:2) and that I need to trust and obey God through His Word! I still have a long way to go and will still be learning and growing until the Lord takes me home. But my gift of salvation is bearing fruit in service to God and others, and love for God and others. Some days are still difficult. Of course I struggle. I am a sinner saved by God’s grace. But the Lord is transforming me one day at a time as I struggle with Gospel hope and joy.
His salvation rescue and eternal life are only the beginning of the Good Life God has for us to live as we are studying in Titus. Growing to maturity is the call of every follower of Jesus Christ. Let’s pray to our Lord and Saviour to increase our hunger for His Word. Let’s encourage each other to take steps to study it eagerly so that we may know and love God more every day, love others, and grow to maturity. (Ephesians 4:16)