Make Every Effort: Peter's Fervent PleasSample

Day 3: Why Can’t We Just Remain Babies?

Peter does say in 1 Peter 2:2-3: “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.” We do start out as babies; feeding on the milk of the Word is beautiful, and being a baby is fun, but why does he say this? “So you may grow up in your salvation.”

Nothing is cuter than little babies, and Jesus definitely loves them, so much so that He said in Matthew 18:10: “See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.” And He made several similar statements in the Gospels. But He does not want us to become adults who still act and play like children.

When children get a wrapped gift, they often are more excited about the wrapping or the box the present comes in. But God’s presents to us–creation, our lives, the gift of salvation, the Holy Spirit, the gifts of the Holy Spirit, the fruit of the Spirit, etc.–are so fabulous that we cheat ourselves and break God’s heart when we just play with the wrapping.

The Gospel (which means "good news") is far too amazing to get stuck at the beginning. Our infinite God is creative beyond our imagination, and He has so many good things planned for us, if we’ll just pursue Him with all our hearts and allow Him to mature us.

Meditating on God’s Word is one exciting way to lift your heart to Him, as well as reading the lessons our Spiritual heroes have gleaned who have gone on before us and getting interactive with others in Bible studies. Iron sharpens iron, and good things happen when passionate lovers of Jesus get together to enjoy God and His Word together.

There are so many wonderful ways to grow, and the Bible is clear that we need to do just that. Hebrews 6:1: “Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God.” As we read earlier in Ephesians 2:8-10, we are saved to do good works, and God already has those works prepared for us. God is ready with everything we need to get moving!

Reflection: So, are we getting excited? The King of the universe already has prepared our way, and all we need to do is step forward to begin moving with our hearts in tune to His still, small voice that speaks to us deep in our hearts.