Dysphagia is a difficulty to swallow foods. Some even have difficulty in swallowing liquid, even saliva. Gastroparesis is a disease in which the digestive system takes longer time to digest. There are spiritual dysphagia and gastroparesis too. “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)
Mature: Like new-born babies’ believers should drink the milk, the Word of God. (I Peter 2:2) However, they should not remain babies always. They ought to grow and be able to digest other food also. There are many believers who survive on a few Promise verses, Favourite verses, Verses on social media posters and listening sermons occasionally. Hence, there is no growth, but malnourishment and weakness.
Powers of discernment: When a person comes to Lord Jesus Christ, his/her mind is open, renewed, hence have discernment and eternal perspective. If this faculty is not used, then s/he makes mundane choices instead of eternal choices. Esau chose one time meal, rather than firstborn inheritance that included covenant blessing and Promise. (Genesis 25:29-34)
Trained: Nevertheless, the discernment skills must be used, upgraded, and updated with training. The context changes rapidly, hence, the training becomes essential. There are new challenges, new kinds of temptations, new focus, and an increase in knowledge. The training is through the Word of God, for righteousness.
Constant practice: Discernment skills, like any other skill, are improved and made perfect by constant practice. Reading, studying, meditating, memorizing, and teaching the Word of God help a person to grow in God’s Wisdom.
Distinguish good and evil: The purpose is to make right, wise, and God-honour ing choices. The world is complicated. There are many areas where good and evil are not distinctly visible. It seems mixed and entangled. Hence, it is essential to evaluate situations, contexts, issues, and problems in the light of the Scripture.
Am I a baby or mature child of God?