Growing Beyond Spiritual Infancy

1 Peter 2:1-3 (NKJV) “Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious.”

Peter tells believers to “desire the pure milk of the word” so they can grow. Sadly, many Christians remain spiritual infants for years. They may have been saved for 5, 10, 20 years, or more, yet never mature in their walk with God. Time alone does not produce spiritual growth.

Peter gives us signs of spiritual maturity: laying aside malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and evil speaking. None of us arrive at perfection overnight, but a growing Christian is one who is continually allowing God to remove these things from their life. Spiritual growth is a daily process.

In the natural world, people strive to advance. They pursue education, careers, skills, and accomplishments. Yet many are content to remain spiritual babies. We work hard to earn degrees and gain knowledge that will one day pass away, while neglecting the Word of God, which endures forever.

Just as a child begins school by learning the alphabet and basic numbers, every believer must begin with the foundations of God’s Word. As that child studies, learns, and grows academically, they advance to higher levels of understanding. The same principle applies spiritually. The more we study God’s Word, the more we mature in our faith and learn to apply His truth to our daily lives.

Paul addressed this very problem in the church at Corinth:

1 Corinthians 3:1-3 (NKJV) “And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ… for you are still carnal.”

The Corinthians had been believers long enough to mature, yet they were still controlled by envy, strife, and division. Paul called them spiritual babies because they had not grown beyond worldly thinking and behavior.

Jesus Himself commanded us to learn from Him:

Matthew 11:28-29 (KJV) “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest… Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me…”

How can we learn of Christ if we never spend time in His Word?

2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV) “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

One reason spiritual growth is so important is because it protects us from deception.

Ephesians 4:14-15 (KJV) “That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine… But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.”

God never intended for His children to remain immature. He desires that we grow in knowledge, wisdom, discernment, and Christlike character. As we mature, we become effective in the ministry of reconciliation He has entrusted to us (2 Corinthians 5:18).

Paul also reminds us where our minds should be focused:

Philippians 4:8 “Whatever things are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report… think on these things.”

The Christian life is not simply about being saved; it is about growing. Growth comes through studying God’s Word, applying its truths, renewing our minds, and becoming more like Christ every day.

The question is not how long you have been saved. The question is: Are you growing?

It’s time to move beyond spiritual infancy and grow up into Christ.