August 10 — "Milk, Meat, and Spiritual Maturity"

Today's Reading: 1 Peter 2

In the horse world, there’s a common saying: “A hungry horse is a healthy horse.” Why? Because when a horse devours its feed, it’s a signal that things are working just right. Appetite is one of the clearest indicators of vitality. Babies who cry for milk are growing strong. Adults who crave hearty meals are generally thriving. But when that hunger disappears—whether it’s a child’s appetite for milk, a horse’s feed-time fervor, or an adult losing interest in food, it’s a red flag something’s off.

Spiritually speaking, hunger for God's Word is a sure sign of life, health, and growth. When you find yourself yearning for the Word, take heart: it means God is stirring something deep within. But when that hunger disappears, it’s a sign that something is off.

In today's key verse, Peter urges scattered, weary believers to “long for the pure spiritual milk” of God’s Word, just like newborns. That “milk” symbolizes the foundational Gospel truths—simple, nourishing, and oh-so-essential. Peter’s challenge isn’t just to study, but to crave—to thirst fiercely for the truth that fuels spiritual maturity. And once you've truly “tasted” the goodness of the Lord, you’ll find yourself longing for more and more of Him.

Peter’s words also highlight that growth is expected—it’s part of our journey. No one is meant to stay spiritually swaddled forever. Scripture lays out a clear progression: milk (1 Peter 2:2), then meat (Hebrews 5:14), and finally, the full stature of maturity .When we stop longing for truth, we stop growing in it. A stagnant spirit often springs from a starved soul.

Spiritual growth mirrors physical development, in stages, in needs, and in purpose. From the milk of basic faith to the meat of deep understanding, every step requires nourishment, guidance, and practice. The journey to full maturity demands intentional feeding—tuned to each season of faith—until we grow into the “whole measure of the fullness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:13).

So here's a thought: what’s fueling your soul lately? TikTok? Endless entertainment? Anxious thoughts? Or are you daily feasting on the life-giving truth of God’s Word? If your hunger is fading, ask the Holy Spirit to stir up your healthy appetite. Begin carving out sacred space to read, reflect, and respond to Scripture. The more you taste His goodness, the hungrier—and more spiritually healthy—you’ll become.

May the Lord awaken a holy hunger in you today. May you crave His Word the way a newborn craves milk. And may that appetite spark steady growth, deeper roots, and a vibrant, joy-filled walk with Christ. After all, a hungry Christian is a healthy Christian.