I was one of ten children, with five younger siblings, and I still remember watching my mom feed my two youngest brothers as infants. I loved helping her whenever she’d let me. She was always preparing bottles and later feeding them Pablum—simple nourishment that helped them grow strong.
In the same way, God says every new believer begins with spiritual “milk.” 1 Peter 2:2 says, “Like newborn babies, crave the pure milk of the Word, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation.” We all begin our spiritual journey as infants, but it is God’s will that we grow up—spiritually as well as physically.
Just as a baby gazes into the eyes of its mother or father, learning love and security, we must learn to gaze into the heart of God—discovering His love, His character, His purposes, and His will for our lives. The moment we repent and receive Jesus as Lord and Savior, the Holy Spirit comes to live within us. He opens our eyes to truth. But that new beginning is only the start of our growth.
Think about how children grow. They are continuously fed, taught, and guided. Their vocabulary changes, their abilities expand, and they mature before our eyes. That is what God intended for Christians. Yet far too many believers remain spiritually malnourished—rarely reading the Bible, rarely praying, rarely engaging in church life.
Scripture calls us to grow. Romans 12:2 (NLT) says, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think…” Like a child learning new skills, believers must allow God’s Word to transform and mature them.
Colossians 3:5, 10 (NIV) says, “Put to death… whatever belongs to your earthly nature… and put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.”
When transformation doesn’t happen, Paul says believers remain spiritual infants:
“I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it.” (1 Corinthians 3:2)
Every believer has a God-given destiny—not fame or headlines, but a life of purpose and influence. God wants us to impact our families, our friends, and those around us. But infants don’t go from milk to steak overnight, and Christians don’t mature simply because time passes. Even Jesus grew “in wisdom and stature” before fulfilling His destiny.
Spiritual destiny unfolds day by day. We learn God’s ways, adopt His values, and gradually become people who influence others toward Him. God wants us to grow into disciples—and then into disciple-makers. Our destiny doesn’t arrive fully formed; it unfolds like a rose, opening little by little as we follow Him.
Yet many believers get pulled back into the world’s sin, confusion, and moral decline. God warned Israel about this drift: Isaiah 65:11 (MSG) says, “…When I invited you, you ignored Me… you chose what I hate.” Ignoring God stunts our growth. Focusing on Him fuels it.
So how do we grow from spiritual infants into mature, influential believers?
It begins with finding a Bible-teaching church—a community committed to Scripture, worship, prayer, and spiritual growth. Growth accelerates when you not only attend but join the life of the church: serving on teams, joining small groups, forming friendships, praying for others, and being prayed for. This is God’s classroom of transformation.
The world cannot teach the love of God. It cannot train you in forgiveness, humility, or holiness. This happens only in a community of believers. Those who say they don’t need a church are choosing a path of spiritual immaturity. No one grows to maturity alone.
Some believers say they’ve been hurt by the church and refuse to return. But being hurt is not an excuse for abandoning God’s plan. We’ve all hurt others, and we’ve all been hurt. That’s why forgiveness is essential. Remaining offended is spiritual paralysis. Growing up means returning to our knees, asking God to heal us, and stepping back into community.
God’s desire is simple: that we receive Christ, then grow up in Him—from spiritual infancy to a purpose-filled destiny. He wants us to learn His Word, walk in His ways, love others deeply, and become people of influence—starting right where we live.
And best of all, His heart for us is good and full of hope. Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Growing up spiritually isn’t just God’s invitation—it’s His beautiful plan to lead you into the life of significance He dreamed for you long before you were born.
