The first epistle of Peter reads very much like a manual for newly born-again believers in Jesus.

The apostle patiently explains some of the basic doctrines as well as essential practices that every new Christian needs to know and put into action.

In the second verse of the second chapter, he stresses the need for them to feed upon the Word of God: “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation.”

Quite often we refer to salvation as though it were an once-and-for-all done deal.

Yet, it is interesting that Peter would talk about “growing up IN your salvation.”

The New Birth is just the beginning which happens at a particular moment. New Birth must be followed up by New Growth. Or the newborn does not survive.

The first and foremost form of food that every newborn needs is milk.

Peter tells new believers to crave the milk of God’s Word as they begin the process of New Growth.

But they do not stop with only milk for sustaining growth. As Hebrews 5:14 reminds us, new believers move on to maturity by ingesting and digesting solid food.

As in the physical, so also in the spiritual.

“Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity…” (Hebrews 6:1)

Needless to say this involves digging deeper into the Word and receiving instruction from the Holy Spirit through elders, teachers and pastors, as well as directly into our spirits.

As we move towards maturity, the way we view the Word of God shifts as well. Here is how David expresses this shift: “How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” (Psalm 119:103)

Honey, in David’s day, would have been the sweetest substance known to human beings. The Word of God, for David, was sweeter than even the sweetest substance he could consume.

In other words, he was now choosing to feast upon the Word of God because He wanted to, not because he had to (as with milk).

This, I believe, is one of the marks of maturity in the Christian life. Devouring the Word of God becomes a pleasure, not a chore.

As we grow in our relationship with the Lord, we cannot wait to hear His voice in the revelation of His Word. We crave it, as we would honey.

My dear DWOD friend, how would you characterize your consumption of the Word of God? Is it still as milk? Or is it more like honey?

I pray that it will move from being that which is required to that which is desired.