“I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not yet 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 human way?” -1 Corinthians 3: 2-3
There was this popular song that goes, “I’m only human, born to make mistakes.” As a Christian in my younger years, I felt that I am but a helpless victim of being a human whenever I sin. Though I will not admit it before, it was but a perfect excuse to say that my sin is not fully my fault, but a default of my humanity.
As I grow in faith, I realized that my sinful nature must no longer be my claim. I have been alive again in Christ, and so even I am still in the flesh, God has given me everything I need spiritually to live in righteousness.
Paul reminded me of this fact when he spoke to the Corinthians about their infancy in Christ. He told them that he cannot address them as ‘spiritual people’ but as people of the flesh. How did Paul classify these Christians in Corinth as people still living in the flesh?
1. "For you were not ready for it" v. 2
Paul had been patiently teaching them the elementary truths of Christ but is also longing and willing to give them more revelations so they can grow in faith. However, it seemed that these Christians are not yet ready for the ‘meat,’ for what is seen in the way they live. They have received the Spirit, yet their behavior dictates otherwise.
Refusing to grow from the stage of Christian infancy is one way to reflect and question the proof of one’s salvation. If I am really called by God, why then am I aloof of the things of God? Why am I blocking the light brought into my soul? Why am I not contemplative on the sentiments of the truths told?
Spiritual hunger is one measurement of maturity in faith - knowing that the Word of God will benefit one's life more than anything else. This hunger is a desire to know more of God not just in knowledge, but in readiness to be counseled, to be convicted of sin, and to an expectation to be changed by the Spirit.
"Spiritual hunger is one measurement of maturity in faith - knowing that the Word of God will benefit one's life more than anything else."
2. "Jealousy and strife" v. 3
When we have success in our doings, to whom do we give credit it? When everything else do not go our way, what do we do about it? How do we take it?
Paul pointed out that to behave in jealousy and strife is ‘of the flesh’ and ‘behaving only in a human way’. He must be meaning to say that human nature (sinful nature) is in no way an escape to respond or act in a manner that displeases God.
Believing that God ordains everything and knowing that He is aware of the situation of all, there is no reason for me to feel uneasy, insecure, and upset if things do not go my way. If I really trust God’s providence, I must battle with my anxiety and know that God is with me. If my brother lacks anything, then I must be more than willing to fill the void, for I myself have been filled willingly and graciously by God and others. If I am suffering, I will remember that God is my strength. Jealousy must be overcome with trust in the Lord that the state I am is where He wants me to be. Strife must be overcome with love knowing that God has shown love to me even in my most difficult and loathsome self.
"If I really trust God’s providence, I must battle with my anxiety and know that God is with me."
Paul did not deny the spiritual gifts that the Corinthians received, however he reminded them that If success comes, it is not because they are wise with their dealings, but it's because of God’s mighty hand. Even if they have labored, the growth was not because of their work but ultimately because God brought growth -be it materially or spiritually.
So then let it be a reminder for me, that through God's sufficient grace, I will continue to work out for my salvation on the foundation that the Lord Himself had laid upon for me. I may struggle in my humanity but His power is made perfect for my weakness.
