Read: I Corinthians 2:6-3:4
Think: Paul is speaking to a church that is struggling with spiritual maturity. In I Corinthians 3:1-3 Paul challenges the spiritually immature saying, “I had to talk as though you belonged to this world or as though you were infants in the Christian life. I had to feed you with milk, not with solid food, because you weren't ready for anything stronger. And you still aren’t ready, for you are still controlled by your sinful nature. You are jealous of one another and quarrel with each other. Doesn’t that prove you are controlled by your sinful nature? Aren’t you living like people of the world?” The church was already beginning to divide over whom they would follow; they were boasting that some leaders were more spiritual than others. Paul addresses this as immaturity. Then, with a simple definition, he defines the spiritually mature as those who “have the mind of Christ.”
Act: As you read these verses, how do you evaluate yourself? Would you consider yourself spiritually mature or immature? Are you tempted to take your eyes off of Christ and put them onto people? Does a spirit of pride tempt you to think you have a “corner” on spirituality? Do you have the mind of Christ when it comes to these matters? Would others observe you as humble, not choosing sides or being divisive? Today, ask God to reveal any area of your life that is spiritually immature, lazy, or worldly. Agree with Him. Then discuss a plan with Him in which you will actively pursue spiritual maturity (ex: building up one another, speaking positively about the church-at-large, remaining humble, serving others out of love).
Pray: Lord, I want to grow in spiritual maturity. I want to be a humble person, not a negative or prideful Christian. I want to see the best in all leaders, never dividing the body of Christ. Help me be a servant to those around me, finding my place in the community and the church. Help me to humbly be Christ’s hands and feet, meeting practical needs, keeping Jesus—not man—as my focus, keeping love as my goal! I love You, Lord! Amen.
Be full of faith today!
