Sad but true, there are some people who claim to be "spiritual giants" in the Faith, yet they are still "babes" in so many ways. Are you one of them?
What are some of the signs to detect if you are still undeveloped as a child?
 
1 Corinthians 3:1 says - "And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ."

The Apostle Paul was addressing the Corinthian Church here - a Church that was enriched with much  knowledge and many spiritual gifts. Yet, in spite of their many blessings and graces, they remained as "babes in Christ." They couldn't "handle" the weightier matters of the law. They weren't able to understand the deep mysteries or higher truths of the Gospel.

So many today are "babes in Christ" when they ought to be "Giants in the Faith." They can't seem to go beyond the simplest doctrines of Christianity to the weightier matters of holiness and sanctified living. This is evident by their lack of discernment in adhering to the teachings of False Teachers and Prophets who offer them a licence for sin. They also seem to follow every "Tom, Dick, and Harry" who comes to town with a so-called "new revelation" from the Word which caters to their lusts. 

1. Spiritual Babes Cannot "Stomach" Meat
 
1 Corinthians 3:2 - "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."
 
These are Christians who aren't sufficiently advanced in the teachings of the Word of God.
They are still majoring on the simplest and easiest truths of God's Word.
They see Him as a God of Love but can't picture Him as a God of wrath and judgment.
 
Hence, they resist any kind of "strong" or "hard" preaching against sin.
It simply doesn't fit into their elementary theology.
In their meager understanding of spiritual matters, they totally reject the Biblical concept of the "Fear of God," for example. They can't seem to understand how one can "Fear" a God whom they are called to "Love."
 
2. They Have Not Forsaken The Foolish
 
Proverbs 9:6 - "Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding."
 
These are Christians who have not yet broken off from all "bad company." They still fellowship with the "unfruitful works of darkness." They converse with them, adhere to their counsel, and conform to their ways.
 
Rather than live to serve the Lord, they live for pleasure. They have no spiritual goals. They don't choose the Path of Wisdom. They resist any government of or restriction on Self. What they set their heart on doing, they do. 
 
3. They are Typical Children
 
Ephesians 4:14 - "That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro..."
 
What are some characteristics of "children"?
 
Is it not so that they are usually unsteady, unstable, changeable, ignorant, weak, gullible, compliant -easily influenced by others, given to temptation, and led astray - and inconstant in judgment?
 
Does this describe you who should be strong, stable, and firm in your convictions? 
Are you likened unto the waves or billows of the sea in that you are one person one day and a totally different person another day?
Do you change your personality or mannerisms to fit the crowd with whom you're associating? 
 
4. They Are Without A Vision
 
Ephesians 4:14 - "...and carried about with every wind of doctrine..."
 
Because they have no settled course for their lives, these believers bounce around from one place to another. They can't seem to find their place in this world. Their "ship" seems to be without a helm.
 
They are too lazy to take the time to search the Scriptures for themselves. Hence, they are always looking for a "word" from someone who may appear spiritual at the time. Their lives are filled with utter confusion and unrest.
 
5. They Are Easy Prey For Deceivers
 
Ephesians 4:14 - "...by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive."
 
Their spiritual ignorance makes them an "easy target" for the "cunning craftiness" of men.
Their lack of spiritual discernment makes them an easy prey for the wiles, deceit, trickery, and craft of any "ministers" of unrighteousness who appear as "angels of light"(2 Corinthians 11:14-15).  
 
6. They Are Carnal
 
1 Corinthians 3:3 - "For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal...?"
 
What does it mean to be "carnal"?
 
It simply means to be yet under the influence of the principles governing the people of the world.
 
How can we detect if we are "yet carnal" or "worldly"?
 
This condition is evidenced by three main features - "envying," "strife," and "divisions."
If you have any of these in your life, you are "yet carnal" and walking after the ways of this world and not after Christ.
 
Do you feel that you are better than others because of some spiritual advancement, position, or gift?
Do you look down on others, feeling that you are superior due to your age, intelligence, talent, abilities, wealth, anointing, etc.?
Then you are envious - yet a "babe" when you should be a "Giant."
 
Are you always quarreling and contending with others who disagree with your viewpoint?
Does it bother you when others don't agree with you? Do you feel that you have to always be right? Then you are full of "strife" - yet a "babe" when you should be a "Giant."
 
Do you seek to have a "following" who see things your way?
Do you reject and separate yourself from those who disagree with you?
Then you are divisive - yet a "babe" when you should be a "Giant."
 
7. They Are Just Like The World
 
1 Corinthians 3:3 - "...walk as men."
 
Instead of following the dictates as outlined in God's Word, these "Christians" follow after the philosophies and trends of this world. They base their concept of success and prosperity, for example, on worldly ideals rather than godly principles. They strive after the same goals and aims as the heathen.
 
8. They Lack Understanding
 
1 Corinthians 14:20 - "Brethren, be not children in understanding..."
 
Children are fascinated with that which is new, playful, amusing, of no real purpose, loud, and showy. "Understanding" in a person's life causes one to choose those things which have quality, purpose, substance, meaning, and value.
 
A person with "understanding" would never be found wasting time or exhausting his strength on "frivolous nonsense."
 
9. They Lack Experience
 
Hebrews 5:13 - "For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe."
 
"Babes" are inexperienced and unqualified. Their spiritual diet deprives them of reaching further for more of God and His Holy Word. They remain on the same spiritual plateau - smug and satisfied. They fail to realize that with advanced revelation and knowledge of His Word and Ways come more opportunities to be used by Him.
 
10. They Lack Discernment
 
Hebrews 5:14 - "But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil."
 
"Babes" can't make decisions on their own. They need someone more "exercised" to lead and guide them in the right direction.
 
Because of their limited spiritual diet of "milk," they lack expertise in knowing the difference between that which is pleasing and provoking to God or that which is helpful or harmful to their souls. 

May God Bless His Word.
Connie