Stunted Spiritual Growth: A Worry!
2 Peter 3
KJV
18+ But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
I came across some frightening images while watching some medical documentaries on human developmental stages. I saw pictures of children whose body shapes do not match their age. I was told it is called “ stunted growth”. It frightened me to be honest!
While pondering over these frightening images my thoughts settled on similar people I’ve come across in the fellowship! Yes!
Some of the causes of the stunted growth I learnt from the documentary are malnutrition! I noticed the same as the cause of the stunted growth of some in the church. Lacking proper spiritual nutrition.
These are those who have been in the church for years yet their attitudes, utterances etc do not match their years in the church. Stunted spiritual growth is a subtle disease that afflicts those who do not pay attention to their spiritual health.
Peter exhorted the newly baptized to pay attention to their growth, especially the diet they should take ;
1 Peter 2
KJV
2+ As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:
Paul showed the way by feeding the newly established Corinthian brethren with milk; hoping that they would mature and transition to taking solid food, He was disappointed; read what he said to them;
1 Corinthians 3
KJV
1 And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.
2+ I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.
The Hebrew writer faced a similar situation; read his observation;
Hebrews 5
KJV
12+ For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.
13 For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.
14+ But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
He therefore challenged them,
Hebrews 6:1
NIV
[1] Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God,
Stunted growth can be found in the church which is a worry. People whose years of being in the church do not reflect in their attitudes and utterances. Of greater worry and concern is that he holds office in the church!
Are you one of these?
This is a threat and we need to do something about it! A lamentation and a concern to express!