13-Sep-2024 – Do you want to grow from milk level to the meat level?
Therefore let no man glory in men. – 1 Corinthians 3:21
But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. – 2 Corinthians 10:17
Today, God has opened another way for all of us to grow in the Spirit. In both of Paul’s letters, God teaches us an important lesson for our individual spiritual growth. In these days, the glorification of men and the desire for personal glory have increased. During these challenging times, we should return to the basics and understand the ways of God.
In his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul was disappointed because he could not convey the deeper mysteries of God. They were struggling with their carnal nature, which was manifesting in their preference for certain leaders over others. They were forgetting a basic truth: all men of God are appointed by God to teach His truth.
Let us consider the example of a school. There are teachers for various subjects because the syllabus contains multiple topics. There are classes ranging from kindergarten to postgraduate levels, and even doctoral programs. The teachers who instruct at the primary level do not need a doctoral level of understanding in their subjects. Even if someone taught at that level, it would be of no use. However, in any class, a student may find certain teachers more approachable. But as students, the focus must be on the syllabus, not the teacher. Teachers are just enablers, but in the end, the exam is for the student alone.
In the same way, the curriculum for our spiritual growth is defined and decided by God Himself. According to His wisdom and plans, He appoints leaders to guide us toward our spiritual destination. Along the way, we may learn from various men of God. When we understand and focus on God’s leading rather than which specific man of God is working with us, we are on the right path of spiritual growth.
Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. – 1 Corinthians 3:8
Another important aspect is that the men of God are like employees of an educational institution. They receive their reward from God for their labor. Some of these men of God may help us in the initial stages of knowing God, such as leading us to salvation through Jesus Christ. Later, God may guide us to deeper truths through other men of God. God is more interested in our spiritual growth than in who is helping us grow.
When we understand this truth, we are ready to step into the next level, receiving the “meat” level of revelations from the Lord, rather than remaining at the “milk” level. God desires that each of us grow, not just a select few.
So, let us grasp this truth and prepare ourselves to glory in the Lord alone, while being thankful to Him for the service of the men of God who have helped us to know and grow in the Lord.
Prayer:
Dear loving Heavenly Father,
Thank You for Your love and grace. Thank You for teaching me today about the new way You have opened for my spiritual growth. I understand now that all men of God are appointed by You according to Your plan and that You are interested in my spiritual growth. You know my circumstances, and You know with whom I should work at this moment. Help me to understand this truth and free me from the burden of glorifying men. Also, teach me to respect and honor the men of God who have helped me grow in You. I pray in the name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen.
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