At this year’s Easter Sonrise, more than 50 people gave their lives to Christ and nearly 200 people were baptized in the Holy Spirit in the waters of Tampa Bay.
While absolutely miraculous, these acts of faith must now become the starting line of a long, marathon like journey. Though accepting Christ as our Lord and savior is the most important step, it may not be the most difficult one. I’ve heard too many preachers claim that giving your life to God was as simple as praying the sinner’s prayer and letting the Spirit come alive with you… There is nothing simple about living a Christian life.
It all starts with a prayer, yes. Something like this: “Lord father I thank you for all that you have done in my life and for bringing me to this point. I pray that you will forgive my sins and inspire me to walk in your footsteps from this day onward. God I want a relationship with you.”
This is when we are born again and the first step in following God’s commands. The bible clearly speaks of this rebirth. “Unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3)
What follows needs to be carefully applied and executed according to God’s plan. Much like a newborn baby, new believers must be fed in order to grow toward God’s kingdom. The spiritual food can be compared to milk and must be supplied in abundance.
“Like newborn babes, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up to salvation.” (1 Peter 2:2)
What is spiritual milk? Anything and everything that will lead someone to become more Christ like. It’s reading the bible, attending church services, praying, singing songs of worship, serving in ministry.
What troubles me with new Christians is that they are often misguided and told being reborn is sufficient. Obviously, it is not. All believers are called to transform themselves to become more like Christ. This is achieved through constant, intentional purpose driven decision making and not to be taken lightly.
The bible tells us that “those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.” (Romans 8:5)
This verse means we are commanded to give up our sinful habits, addictions and self serving thoughts. While not an easy thing to accomplish, becoming more Christ like is a process true believers cannot ignore once the fire has been lit within them during the sinner’s prayer.
“Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may prove what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:2)
Growing in faith is not an easy task but it is a rewarding one. Spiritual growth is not a choice, it is a responsibility. Therefore, we all must go from milk to solid food eventually becoming teachers ourselves.
“For every one who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a child.” (Hebrews 5:13)
What exactly is solid spiritual food or meat? Understanding the word and teaching it, leading a small group or a ministry and even serving on a mission trip. Solid spiritual food is served through people rather than on a plate or in a bottle.
Whatever is on your spiritual menu today, it is important you continue to crave for God’s word and long to become more like Christ. Remember He has a mission for your life and through free will, it is up to you to fulfill it or forget it. I pray you will not choose the ladder.
From milk to meat and not the other way around, we are called to serve the Lord and obey His commands. We’ve prayed the prayer and are now walking along side Jesus toward the finish line where our Father awaits us with open arms. Drink your milk, chew your food but whatever you do, keep feeding through faith!
Let’s pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives
And for allowing us to worship you
In so many ways, from morning to night.
Lord we ask you to inspire us to be the best we can be
And lead our footsteps guiding us in this life
So that we may rejoice with you in the next.
God we thank you for your word the bible
For providing us with such an awe inspiring guide book
To guide our ways, direct our lives toward perfect obedience.
Father we pray for your strength and for your wisdom,
Your love and your all mighty grace,
We ask that you continue to provide milk and meat
So that we may keep growing in you, in faith.
God we love you and thank you for all that surrounds us!
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: DanielStPierre@ThriveThroughChrist.com
