“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)

There's a natural and beautiful progression in how a child learns to eat. It begins with milk, perfectly suited for a newborn. As they grow, they are slowly introduced to pureed foods, then small, soft bits, and eventually, they learn to handle solid food all on their own. We watch with pride as a child insists on holding the spoon, even if it’s a messy process. It’s a necessary step toward independence. No one would expect a forty-year-old to still need to be spoon-fed; it would be unnatural.

This same principle applies so clearly to our spiritual lives. When we first come to faith, it is right and good to be taught the foundational truths of God’s Word. We need encouragement and guidance from those who have walked the path longer. But just like a growing child, a time comes when we must begin to feed ourselves. We should develop our own skills for reading and understanding the Word, asking questions, and seeking comprehension. This is how the Holy Spirit trains us, illuminating our hearts with knowledge and truth as we engage personally with Scripture.

This process must be built on a solid foundation of sound doctrine. You wouldn't hand a steak to a baby, and in the same way, a new believer must start with the "milk" of the Word. The goal, however, is always to grow in the knowledge and truth of God.

A problem arises when this natural progression stalls. This is the very issue the writer of Hebrews addresses. He challenges the people for their spiritual laziness, noting that by a certain point, they should have been teaching others. Instead, they still needed the elementary principles taught to them over and over again. He says that anyone in this state is "inexperienced and unskilled in the doctrine of righteousness" (Hebrews 5:13 AMP). These are strong words, but they ring with truth. Just as it isn't natural for an adult to remain on a diet of milk, a believer shouldn't remain an infant in their knowledge of the Word.

What is the remedy? It is to grow up. This takes time and discipline to get into scripture regularly, but the effort yields life itself. Jesus said, “The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life” (John 6:63). The Bible is our handbook for knowing God, as Peter reminds us, God's power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him (2 Peter 1:3-4).

The writer of Hebrews concludes the chapter by saying that "solid food is for the mature," for those who have trained themselves through practice to distinguish good from evil. As we grow, we become more skilled in handling the Word. We no longer need someone to explain the basics repeatedly. Instead, we can build upon that firm foundation, entering into the fullness of God with the understanding that belongs to those who are spiritually mature. This is the journey of faith—a continual process of growing into the solid food of scripture that truly nourishes the soul.

Personal Reflection Questions

1. Are you feeding yourself from God’s Word, or waiting to be spoon-fed?

2. What simple habits can help you engage with Scripture more consistently?

3. How does growing up in faith encourage you to pursue a deeper, righteous life?