Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.
Hebrews 5:13-14 NIV
These two verses contrast those who live on milk with those who eat solid food. Milk is the food of choice for infants, while solid food is for those who have matured beyond infancy. This is true for our physical lives. But it is also true in our spiritual development.
The author of Hebrews identifies God’s word as the spiritual food we consume (Heb. 5:12). The elementary truths of God’s word equate to milk, while solid food is the deeper truths of God’s word. The elementary truths are appropriate for new believers. They provide a solid foundation to build on. But we should not be content with just learning those same truths over and over again.
He tells us that milk is for those who are unacquainted with the teaching about righteousness. In contrast, solid food is for those who have put into practice what they have learned. And by so doing, they have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil. This is more than a simple issue of right and wrong. It has to do with living a life that is pleasing to God. The more familiar I become with God’s word, and the more I practice what I have learned from it, the more mature I will grow in my faith. And the more I will please my Lord.
Don’t be content with just the elementary truths of God’s word. And don’t be satisfied just with learning the deeper truths of what it teaches. Put into practice what you are learning. And, when you do, you will find yourself walking ever closer in harmony with your Lord.
