It seems like a newborn infant is created with a desire – a longing – for the very thing that will be most nourishing and result in healthy growth – mother’s milk. If that is absent, great attempts are made to create or encourage the development of that desire! As the child develops, it is a tragedy to see the desire for “junk food” replace what will really nourish and satisfy healthy development. In fact, to some degree at least, a child’s natural appetite as he/she matures can be suppressed and replaced by that which does not adequately nourish. That is unfortunate!
From a spiritual standpoint, I’m convinced “new birth” (i.e. spiritual rebirth – John 3:1-8), brings with it innate spiritual desires and longings for what will truly satisfy and bring healthy maturation. Spiritual “babies” who have been truly “born again” naturally desire “pure Spiritual milk” for the developing spiritual dimensions of their lives. It’s a tragedy when they are fed other things – or feed on spiritual “junk food” and end up being malnourished and prey to deception, temptation and sin!
Here’s what Peter urged Christians in the first century to do (and it’s incredibly important advice for all of us who have been “born again” today!)…
“So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation — if indeed (or since) you have tasted that the Lord is good!” (from 1 Peter 2:1–3 ESV)
Hey, as a “child of God,” we never outgrow the need for spiritual milk! I know I have been “reborn” with spiritual desires and longings that can only be satisfied with the real stuff! With God’s help I’m going to avoid the things don’t nourish and instead rob me of a healthy appetite and spiritual maturation! Help me Lord to know the difference!
