I’m not sure how many of you share my love of milk chocolate but I would have to say, most of you. After all, it is what covers M&M’s isn’t it? And isn’t it what most chocolate bars use? There is just something about the velvety texture that the milk seems to add. I don’t think it was until much later in life that I could appreciate the edge and bitterness of dark chocolate. Even as I have grown older and my taste buds have changed, the appreciation for the silky smoothness of milk chocolate has not left me. Maybe it is because it reminds me more of hot chocolate and a fireplace than the dark “bite”. Maybe I am just a kid who never wanted to grow up, even though I always realized I had to.
Since we all knew we had to grow up, it is probably a bit true in you too. Each of us would like to be safe and protected from the pressure of the outside world. Life is simpler when all we have to do is play, watch TV and savor the smell of fresh bread, cookies or something like broccoli casserole, meat loaf and mashed potatoes, or basil chicken cooking. As you were growing up, you knew I was going to make sure you were fed and cared for – all was well. There are positives and negatives to this “ideal.” You get to feel good, but not really experience the reality of life in a world that has a different set of values than we do. Growing up in a world that scripture says “we don’t belong for long” can be confusing at best. Differentiating what is right for both worlds really stretches our small minds.
Often, growth in the Kingdom has parallels to life on earth. We learn to experience and taste the smoothness of a simple life in both worlds. 1 Peter 2:2 says: Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation. But like anything in this earthly realm, time moves on and so must we. Like your parents God “gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it” while you were teenagers and suffering from peer pressure and hormones. (1 Corinthians 3:2) But, there came a time when you were on your own. You felt like you had many of the answers, but things kept blindsiding you. At times things seemed beyond or out of your control. You may have, or presently question your faith and wonder if God is telling you: “. . . by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food!” (Hebrews 5:12) Life just isn’t as simple and smooth as it was before.
I don’t want you to fret or be concerned my child. Your spiritual growth is progressing just like it should. God is ordering your steps and using life’s circumstances to mold you into a spiritual adult. There is no reason to doubt – question, yes, but doubt, no. Read 1 John 2:12 – 14 and look at the difference between children (who know the Father and have been forgiven), young men (who are strong and have overcome the evil one) and Fathers (who personally know the essence of God.) Right now you are building your strength and learning through life’s experiences. Those experiences will provide you the warmth, security and power found in His grace and love. As the days come and go, situations and circumstance without eternal significance will become less stressful to you. This marathon requires your endurance. The endurance will produce the peace of not just knowing who He is, but understanding and embracing the essence of what He is. Then the “smoothness” and peace return. Take a deep breath and let Him carry the load. Your burden is meant to be easy and light. Ah, the circle of life in the Kingdom!
Love Dad