It's a sad tale when long-time believers-in-Christ are immature Christians. Perhaps this state was no fault of their own but mostly I think not. This is what Paul admonished the believers in Corinth about. He wrote,
"Brothers, I could not address you as spiritual but as worldly - mere infants in Christ. I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere men? For one says, "I follow Paul," and another, "I follow Apollos," are you not mere men" (1 Corinthians 3:1-4)?
It appears that because there were jealousies and quarrels among the men, that Paul told them they are immature - still acting like babies.
Indeed, a sorry state. This is good for all believers to take note of, not just the brothers, although they are the ones addressed. Remember the Sunday School song,
"Read your Bible, pray every day and you'll grow, grow, grow?"
When we read and pray daily, and are doers of the word of God, we will eventually grow into mature believers who 'eat meat'. Our spiritual life in Christ focuses on Christ and following Him, not others. In so doing we will not choose an earthly leader to follow and the jealousies and quarreling will dissipate.
This is having the mind of Christ (see 1 Corinthians 2:16 NIV).
Lord Jesus, we want to follow you, to look to you , our Leader. Help us to keep our eyes, mind, and hearts focused on you, developing relationship with you, being doers, as well as hearers of Your word. Help us grow into mature followers who do not become jealous of others nor create quarrels among your people. May we each have the mind of Christ and keep the unity of Your Holy Spirit.
I ask this in Your name Lord Jesus.
~ERC November 2023~
Based on 1 Corinthians 3:1-4 NIV.
Sing, Growing in Jesus, stc channel and Make Us One (Unity Hymn) along with Erik Dewar.
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