A Different Diet

A DIFFERENT DIET

      As we continue to think about Peter’s words in 1Peter 2:1-10, we discover more metaphors, which may help define our walk with Jesus. It is almost as if Peter attempts to put as much as he can in these ten verses. He says there are things in my life and yours that we must get rid of before we can become mature Christians. Things like ill will, deceit, pretense, envy, and slander must be taken out of who we are—they can no longer be a part of our identity. Then Peter gives us an interesting metaphor of the Christian walk and development. He talks about us drinking milk as “babies” who are just beginning the faith walk.

      All new Christians begin their “new lives” on the “milk” and soft food of God’s word. Because the new way of life is different and sometimes unclear to a new disciple, the “spiritual food” must be simple and digestible.

      Yet, God does not intend for the new Christian to stay a “babe in Christ.” He wants us to move on to the “meat and potatoes” of the deep things of holy living. Paul writes in Colossians 1:10, “We’re praying this so that you can live lives worthy of the Lord and pleasing to him in every way; by producing fruit in every good work and growing in the knowledge of God.” As long as “milk” is the only item on our “spiritual diet,” we will be less likely to live the abundant life that God has for us, and we will be less likely to be able to discern the right path, the good choices, and to fulfill God’s purpose for us. It is so important that a new disciple be guided and nurtured within the faith community by more mature Christians.

       So how do I begin to add solid food to my “spiritual milk” diet? First, I must see the need to grow a disciple. I will need to conduct an honest self-evaluation by asking myself some searching questions. Is this all there is to my faith walk? Is this all God has for me, and is this all I can be for him? Am I satisfied with how I am living? Am I the same person, behaving and thinking the same way as before I met Jesus? This is the beginning of what scripture calls “working out your own salvation.” Start spending more time in prayer, meditation, and Bible study. Get serious about learning the deeper things of God by actively and intentionally fellowshipping with other Christians who are interested in the “solid food.” It is true that as our “spiritual diet” expands and so will our growth as a disciple of Jesus.

      A true, vital, and strong relationship with God is the result of a “spiritual diet” that feeds the hungering and thirsting after God’s righteousness and knowledge. “Milk” is a good start to our faith walk, but “solid food” will lead us toward the goal of spiritual maturity. We should settle for nothing less.

Rev Tim McConnell Long’s Chapel UMC June 30, 2013