I vividly remember the legendary "Got Milk?" campaign from the 90s — grown celebrities, full of influence and charm, wearing iconic white mustaches in bold billboard ads and catchy commercials across the country. It was a lighthearted reminder that milk wasn’t just for kids. But in Scripture, the metaphor of milk often carries a much deeper message: one of spiritual infancy and the urgent call to grow and mature in your faith.
While salvation is a free gift received by grace, spiritual maturity is a process—and Scripture is clear: God doesn’t intend for us to remain in spiritual infancy.
Just as we expect a child to grow in strength, understanding, and responsibility, God expects His people to grow in wisdom, obedience, and Christlikeness. Hebrews 5:12–14 speaks directly to this when it says:
“Though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.” (Hebrews 5:12–14)
This rebuke isn’t meant to shame—it’s a loving and encouraging push towards a deeper faith, greater discernment, and consistent growth.
Paul echoes this challenge because of ongoing immaturity, jealousy, and disunity in 1 Corinthians 3:1–3, where he writes:
“But I, brothers, could not address you as spiritual people, but as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ. I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it. And even now you are not yet ready, for you are still of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way?”
Spiritual growth doesn’t happen automatically — just as we wouldn’t expect an infant to suddenly get up and pole vault. Maturity takes intention, humility, and consistent practice. We move from milk to solid food by digging deeper into God’s Word, walking in obedience, enduring trials, and allowing the Holy Spirit to shape our character from the inside out.
Here are some simple questions to help you to help you pause, reflect, and, if needed, realign your heart and habits towards spiritual maturity:
● Am I feeding on God's Word daily — or coasting on what I already know? True maturity requires a steady intake of Scripture. Are you pursuing depth in your studies, devos, etc., or simply staying comfortable with the basics?
● Do my attitudes and reactions reflect Christ — or my old self? Maturity is often revealed in how we respond under pressure. Are the fruit of the Spirit increasingly evident in your relationships and decisions?
● Am I surrounding myself with people who challenge and sharpen my faith? Growth doesn’t happen in isolation. Are you walking with others who encourage you towards a deeper relationship with our Lord and Savior?
● Am I putting into practice what I already know? It’s not about information — it’s about transformation. Are you living out what you believe in your daily rhythms, habits, and priorities?
● What’s one area God is inviting me to grow in right now - similar to a question Pastor Chris asked us in our Small Group questions recently? Maturity happens step by step. What is one area of obedience, surrender, or growth the Spirit is prompting in this season?
Written By: Lee Miles
