Got Milk?

Yet when I am among mature believers... [I Corinthians 2.6a]

From yesterday's NT reading to today's, Paul has made a huge distinction. Yesterday, Paul made clear that the rudimentary fact of faith is the message of the cross. Today, however, Paul seems to be indicating that he is free to speak of more mysteries (by the Spirit) when he is around mature believers. But, Paul makes it clear today (3.1) that the Corinthians are NOT mature.

This seems to logically associate with what we read in Romans 14 a few days ago: Accept other believers who are weak in faith, and don't argue with them about what they think is right or wrong. [Romans 14.1]

What Paul is 'dancing around' here is the fact that the message of the cross is the elementary foundation of relationship with God - but that there is a "continuing education" program. He does so quite eloquently and yet makes the point that the message of the cross is "milk."

Grace goes further.

Grace takes the message of the cross and develops and explores its every strength and liberty. As grace matures in the life of a believer, its mysteries are revealed by the Spirit - mysteries that the baby believer cannot chew, but only choke on and spit out.

That is exactly why Paul uses caution with these "mysteries" - the deeper truths of grace (built upon the foundation of the message of the cross). That is exactly why Paul refrains from getting into the depths of grace...

I had to feed you with milk, not with solid food, because you weren’t ready for anything stronger. [I Corinthians 3.2a]

Got milk?

There will be within Christian circles, a distinction between milk drinkers and meat eaters. Meat eaters can freely associate with milk drinkers at the "milk" level, but must exercise restraint to only relate "meat" issues with meat eaters. The milk drinkers are basically oblivious to anything besides milk.

The point is this: There will always be the potential for contention between immature believers and mature believers. The responsibility is placed upon the mature believers however, while constantly striving to further nurture immature believers (get them off milk), they must also know when immature believers just can't handle deeper truth.

We have a bunch of babies in Christianity. And, like for many a young human, the switch from the teat to solid food is undesirable. In the physical world we KNOW the switch must be made. But in the spiritual world it seems we are fairly content to be milk suckers.

Perhaps if grace does not take one "further", then it is no grace at all.

Father, help us to DESIRE to grow!