Called to More Than Milk

It feels as though we’ve become a world that is overly sensitive, resistant to correction, and more comfortable being coddled than challenged — traits that reflect the flesh far more than the Spirit.

But I have to ask: why would anyone choose to live on milk forever when meat is offered? Why remain a baby in the faith when we’re called to grow into maturity? Why settle for a sliver of Christ when He offers the fullness of Himself?

I find it striking that when people urge us to push harder in education, sports, or careers, we applaud the ambition. But when someone calls us to go higher in our faith, it’s often met with defensiveness — as if their walk is being judged or their efforts deemed a failure.

I believe this reaction comes from the reality that true faith is deeply challenging. It calls for death to self and complete surrender — and that’s the part we resist. Because of this resistance, growth is stunted. Instead of owning our compromise, we grow uncomfortable and assume we’re being criticized.

But that mindset won’t lead us anywhere. Growth in Christ demands humility, not justification. We shouldn’t fear the challenge or explain away our spiritual apathy — we should be stirred by it. Inspired.

We should look to the saints of old — the prophets, the disciples, and the Apostle Paul — and let their faith urge us forward, not shrink us back. They were mere men, just like us. If they could walk in such faith and obedience, surely we can too.

Our faith will never rise to the life God created us to live — to be the light and salt we’re called to be — unless we’re willing to be corrected, challenged, exhorted, and encouraged toward the highest standard: Christ Himself.

Every part of our journey — our words, sins, failures, victories, and even criticisms — should drive us closer to Him. The aim of the Christian life is not comfort or complacency, but Christ: to seek Him relentlessly and to grow into His likeness more and more each day.

When we succeed and receive blessings, we run to Christ with gratitude and celebration. When we sin, we run to Him for mercy and restoration. When we’re lost, doubting, or alone, we run to Jesus for comfort and direction.

When the enemy rises against us, we press in closer to Jesus, our refuge and stronghold. And when we fail, we run to Him for strength, wisdom, and peace. Every part of our existence as Christians — every joy, sorrow, victory, and stumble — should lead us back to Christ. He must be our center, our refuge, and our goal.

If we don’t begin to feed on the meat of the Word, our faith will become malnourished — weak, stagnant, and unfruitful. Without growth or victory, the Christian life can start to feel empty, making it all too easy to drift back toward the world in search of pleasure and purpose.

Why wouldn’t a Christian desire more of Jesus? If they don’t, it may be because they have yet to fully grasp the priceless treasure they’ve been given. Even more concerning, it raises the question of whether they are truly saved. This is the danger of remaining a baby Christian — lacking spiritual growth often means lacking assurance of salvation.

Christians, we must not be afraid to eat the meat of the Word. We shouldn’t shy away from examining ourselves to confirm that Christ truly lives in us. Testing the genuineness of our faith is essential. We are called to pursue the highest calling in Jesus Christ — this is the only path to true growth.

It’s the way we become the difference the world desperately needs. Through this pursuit, we gain Christ more fully, develop a faith that empowers the Spirit within us, and become victorious overcomers with a faith that brings genuine joy and assurance.