Newborn Babes
“As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:” (1 Peter 2:2). Do you cultivate child like tendencies? Some quickly and readily do by pouting or throwing a temper tantrum when things do not go their way. But, on a positive note some child like tendencies need cultivation. Children have a need for food, and not just any food but healthy, wholesome, good food so they may grow adequately. Let us consider how we as Christians can develop and grow.
The first thing that Peter suggests is that we have is desire. The word desire makes us think of our wants and wishes. Christians have an assignment and that is to develop a desire for God’s Word. Some might wonder, “How do I develop my desire?” Good question. Think of food, it is hard to desire something you have never tasted, and the same is true with God’s word. When was the last time you sat down and read the Bible in an unhurried way? Friend, let me urge you to read and meditate upon the facts of the creation (Genesis 1&2), the flood (Genesis 6), and the tower of Babel (Genesis 11)? These colossal, historical accounts of real life situations are not at all trite or boring but rather leave us as readers wanting to learn more about the events in these chapters. Thus we can, after tasting something, develop our desire to enjoy it more.
The second thing that Peter suggests is that we desire the “sincere milk of the word”. Peter here brings to mind the idea that we as Christians, like small children, do better in our growth process when we feed on the pure unadulterated word of God. While it is surely a positive thing to utilize various study aids in our Bible study (such as dictionaries, encyclopedias, commentaries, even quarterly workbooks to name a few) yet there is nothing like opening the Bible and reading from its pages and thoughtfully considering the facts discussed therein. Thus, we now have two assignments from Peter, first to develop our desire, and second to direct that desire toward God’s word, the Bible.
The third thing that Peter suggests is that we grow. It is a fact that some Christians never grow up. For one reason or another they have never matured to adulthood as a Christian. Take notice, be advised, wake up and realize Christians are expected to grow. Peter’s admonition is that we grow. We do not need to wander around looking for a “How to Grow” manual as a Christian. He told us that the growth agent in a Christian’s life is the word of God. Picture a small child starving in a home and food is laying on the coffee table in the living room but for some reason the small child is not eating; it continues to be malnourished. You and I often keep our Bibles right there in the living room, on the coffee table, within easy reach but yet we may be spiritually starving to death. The Bible is the solution to so many things, but focusing our minds on 2 Peter 2:2 we learn that it is the solution to our ignorance as Christians. Yes, friend, the Bible is the answer to the question “How can I grow?” I hope you will get your Bible out and read a portion of it even today; your life will be enriched thereby.
By Keith McNeely