What amazes me about what Peter is saying here is that we must crave “pure spiritual milk” the reason is because without it we won’t grow to experience what He truly has for us. Think of a time when you were so hungry or thirsty that you desired nothing but food or drink. Let’s take it a step further. You were waiting for the big game or opening day of hunting or that new electronic device to come out and you had that anxiousness about you that made you long for it. We have or should have that every day because of what Jesus did for us. It says at the end of verse 2, “…cry out for this nourishment.” Don’t settle with just knowing; realize that we are new in Christ.
Chapter 1 verse 22 says, “You were cleansed from your sins when you obeyed the truth, so now you must show sincere love to each other as brothers and sisters. Love each other deeply with all your heart.” There is fullness when we surrender our hearts and love people. Our cravings become focused on Christ and we change from the inside out. That internal change is what makes us live out what we believe and the Holy Spirit in us leads us to forget the worldly desires that constantly come into our minds. We can’t desire to be in charge, we should long to follow what is right and open our heart and minds to what the Spirit is showing us. That is the nourishment that will lead us to life in Christ and make us crave PURE spiritual milk so we grow.
Pastor Kevin Goff put it this way, “Spiritual growth must be intentional. There is no instant growth or discipleship – it is constant sacrifice to learn to be who He wants us to be.” Just think about that, constant sacrifice to learn will help us cry out for that nourishment and keep us focused on living like Jesus. So I say let’s stay focused and keep our hearts and minds open all the time. Amen