In recent months, we’ve seen increasing unrest and turmoil across the world, and it’s no surprise that these challenges have exposed weaknesses within the Body of Christ. Pressure has a way of revealing what’s underneath, and right now, we’re seeing the cracks. But what’s even more concerning is how some spiritual leaders have embraced worldly solutions in the face of this crisis. We’ve witnessed leaders encouraging their congregations to place their trust in transient, man-made solutions instead of the steadfast and eternal wisdom of God’s Word. In this message we’re encouraging Christians to go from Milk to Meat spiritually. It’s become urgent to grow in knowledge of truth and strength of maturity.
It’s a time to reflect: Would Jesus advise His followers to seek fleeting, human-made answers instead of relying on His protection and guidance? This question is more pressing now than ever, as we navigate the difficulties of our current times. Many, at great personal cost, have raised concerns about these quick fixes—and it’s time we, as believers, turn to God’s Word for our answers.
In 2 Timothy 2:3, we are reminded: “You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.” Hardship isn’t just something to survive—it’s an opportunity for refinement. God allows these moments to purge the impurities in our hearts, making us more like Him. The refining process is uncomfortable, but it brings us closer to spiritual maturity. And growth in Christ doesn’t come without endurance and a willingness to change.
Yet, instead of the Body of Christ being unified and strong, we too often see division and criticism from within. The world outside may challenge us, but our greatest struggles often come from within our own community. So, why has the enemy been able to make a public display of our weaknesses? The answer is clear: many in the Church have remained spiritually immature. As Hebrews 5:12-13 points out, too many believers are still on spiritual milk, not ready for the deeper truths of God’s Word. The time has come for us to grow up spiritually, to move from milk to meat, and to start living mature lives according to God’s wisdom.
As mature believers, it’s our responsibility to guide those who are still on milk, helping them to understand the deeper things of God. The spiritual infancy that Hebrews refers to isn’t a place we are meant to stay; it’s a place we are meant to grow out of. God has called us to maturity in our faith, and He has given us the tools—His Word, the Holy Spirit, and each other—to get there.
So, what can you do in this moment? Hebrews 3:13 gives us the answer: “But continually encourage one another every day, as long as it is called ‘Today,’ so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.” This is a direct command from the Lord. What would happen if every believer took this seriously? What if every single one of us made it our mission to encourage others in their walk with Christ every single day? We could shift the entire atmosphere of the Body of Christ—strengthening one another, growing together in spiritual understanding, and pushing back against the divisions and distractions that seek to tear us apart.
Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, So one man sharpens another.” The Body of Christ is full of believers at different stages in their faith, and many are still babies in need of spiritual milk. But we are called to help them grow, to walk beside them as they move from milk to meat. We can be the voices of encouragement and wisdom they need in these trying times.
Start today. Reach out to someone who needs encouragement. Speak truth into their lives. Help them grow stronger in their faith. We are all in this together, and as we sharpen each other, we’ll see the Body of Christ rise, mature, and stand strong against whatever comes next.
With God, nothing is impossible!
God bless you,
Dale and Paula Black
