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)
Believers can be at differing stages in our walks with the Lord Jesus – some are babe’s, some young in the faith, some seasoned saints - but none of our walks are yet complete or we would be home with the Lord. Also, things most needful of the greatest perfection within us, arrive by progression and take the longest time in growth, in contrast to the chaff of the worthless which can spring up overnight like weeds in a garden, Amen? God conforms us into the image of His Son by degrees – little by little – and His primary tool is His Word. It is the greatest gift to us and we disregard it at our own peril.
All of our “blazing fire” giftings begin with a single spark, just as a mere acorn takes time to grow a large and flourishing oak tree. We must not despise small beginnings. Holiness and zeal begin as a small light as children of the King. Every good mother knows that children learn by degrees as well. If we give the child more than they have the capacity to appreciate, we spoil them and harm their maturity – thinking the world revolves around them and they can do as they please. So, too, Christlikeness. If God immediately gave us our spiritual giftings in their perfected forms flesh would most assuredly become proud. We mature in it by degrees through the “beautiful basics” of prayer, being in God’s Word daily, applying the Truths of His Word to our lives and hiding His Word in our hearts through Scripture memory. These are the steps the Bible gives us to mature in Christ – and we are the ultimate losers when we do not.
The writer of Hebrews states the following regarding God’s Word in Hebrews 4:12-13 (NIV): “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” We are all held accountable for this one life we have been given and to waste it is a terrible thing. Further, to grow up in Him is to choose what is best and results in a life well lived – without regrets. As C.T. Studd wrote: “Only one life, ‘twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.” Knowing and applying His Word changes us from the inside out, equipping us through Christ’s power to walk in a manner worthy of God and please Him in all we do and say and think.
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 (NIV)