Faith is not just about what we believe—it’s about how we live. As you work through these devotionals, my prayer is that you will grow stronger, stand firmer, and live bolder for Christ. No matter what comes, you can remain unshaken because your foundation is in Him. – John O’Malley
Below is an excerpt from Bro. John O’Malley’s book, Unshaken: Strengthening Your Faith. If you would like to read the book in its entirety, please click here.
1 Corinthians 3:1-3
“And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. 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. For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?”
Learn About It
Paul addresses the Corinthians with a rebuke—they are not growing in spiritual maturity. Though they had been Christians for some time, they were still acting like spiritual infants. He describes them as carnal, meaning they were living according to their fleshly desires rather than walking in the Spirit.
Paul explains that he had to give them milk instead of meat—he had to teach them the basics of faith because they were not ready for deeper spiritual truths. The evidence of their spiritual immaturity was clear: they were filled with envy, strife, and division. Instead of growing in love, unity, and selflessness, they were acting just like the unsaved world.
Carnality is a serious issue. A believer may be saved but still live in a way that reflects worldly attitudes rather than the character of Christ. Paul’s warning is clear—if we are not growing spiritually, we will remain weak and immature, unable to handle the deeper things of God.
Apply It to Me
Talk to God About It
Lord, I don’t want to remain spiritually immature. Help me to hunger for Your Word, to put away childish attitudes, and to walk in the Spirit. Show me where I have been carnal in my thinking or actions, and help me to grow in faith, love, and wisdom. Teach me to desire the deeper things of Your truth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Act on It
Identify one step of spiritual growth you need to take this week. It could be memorizing Scripture, spending more time in prayer, or surrendering an area of your life where you’ve been spiritually immature. Make a commitment to take that step today.
John O’Malley
If this article has been an encouragement to you, you can email Bro. O’Malley to let him know.