1 Corinthians 3:1-4 says this- 1. Dear brothers and sisters, when I was with you, I couldn't talk to you as I would to spiritual people. I had to talk as though you belonged to this world or as though you were infants in Christ. 2. I had to feed you with milk, not with solid foods, because you weren't ready for anything stronger. And you still aren't ready. 3. For you are still controlled by your sinful nature. You are jealous of one another and quarrel with each other. Doesn't that prove you are controlled by your sinful nature? Aren't you living like people of the world? 4. When one of you says, "I am a follower of Paul" and another says "I follow Apollos" aren't you acting just like people of the world?
OHHH Baby! Let's unpack that just a bit!
Verse 1- Once you ask Jesus into your heart as your Lord and Saviour, you are now a part of God's family! Which now makes you brothers and sisters to all other people that are saved by God's mercy! That also means you are to leave your worldly desires and wants behind. Some things take time! Don't let that overwhelm you! It doesn't matter how long your relationship with Christ is, he will always be working on you.
In the same way you pick up a new interest, or start studying a specific subject, you are a baby to that subject/interest. You won't/can't know as much as someone who has been studying or involved in that area for many years! So, as you may feel more spiritual than you did before, that spirituality with Christ is going to grow. So, in the beginning of your walk with God, God looks at the relationship in an infancy stage.
To go from viewing things in the way the world sees them, to the way God sees them, not only takes time, but it takes patience and mercy from both sides, thankfully God is a God of mercy! But that is why verse 2 says that He spoon feeds us. As to not over feed us or overwhelm us. But to give us just the right dosage at just the right time.
Let's say that every day for 2 years straight, you got up at 5 am, and was at work by 6:30am, off by 3pm, every single day. Imagine one day your boss comes to you and says that your new work hours are 10pm to 4am. There is no wiggle room, either you figure it out, or you don't. A change that drastic would be difficult for anyone! Especially if the boss added- Starting tonight! (I have had this happen! It stinks! If I thought I had other options, I would have quit!! But I got off at 3pm and was back at midnight.) This is why God babies us. Spoon feeds us. Slowly changes our thoughts, our worldly views, our worldly addictions, our worldly wants and desires.
Verse 3 says we are still controlled by our sinful nature. Now some of our sins are prominent. There's no denying them. It is what it is, now it's time to ask God for help with it. But some of our sins take time to come to the surface. Some things are habits, things we have always done, that never seemed like a big deal before. I know people who have been Christ followers their entire lives, and one day out of the blue God will show them a sin that they never realized they were doing. WHY? Because God does everything in His timing. Maybe they are supposed to go through that journey with someone new in their life!
Verse 4 talks about following others. Like one said they followed Paul, and another said they follow Apollos. That would be the same as worrying about what your favorite singer or actor is doing and following them constantly on social media. In God's eyes they are His children too! They are equal to you; He wants you to follow Him and seek Him first. He is asking us to put down our phones, and our remotes, and spend time with Him. One on ONE. Having personal conversation. Are you willing to try? Are you willing to find 10 minutes a day for your creator? 10 minutes to start. Take 5 to read your bible, and 5 to pray. You will eventually if not immediately crave and yearn for more!
Until next time:
24. May the Lord bless you and protect you.
25. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you.
26. May the Lord show you HIs favor and give you His peace.
Numbers 6:24-26
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