Babes in Christ

(1 Cor 14:20) Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.
 
The Christian life is entered by new birth, so that everyone who is genuinely born again must begin as spiritual babes. Even the oldest person who is saved begins this walk as a babe and must begin that way (Matt 18:3). Paul says that in a certain sense we should remain as children -- Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men. The word malice also means “ill-will” or the “desire to harm or get even”, so that Paul wants us to be child-like in our interactions with others. This speaks to our personal interaction in regards to being offended or taking offense; we should never lose this attitude of forgiveness and not be offended easily.
Paul speaks of believers who are as “children” being tossed to and fro about doctrinal issues – “ That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;” Paul does not want us to be children in this aspect – understanding – but grow spiritually so we can develop into a mature Christian. Paul goes on to instruct us to speak the truth in love so that we may grow up in Him in all things (Eph 4:15).
 
Growing in Christ:
The only way any of us can grow spiritually is through spiritual food and spiritual exercise (1 Pet 2:2; Heb 5:14; 1 Tim 4:7-8). Christians are to become mature, both in understanding and in behavior, as a continuing process from being babes to mature in Christ as we grow in knowledge and grace (2 Pet 3:18).
 
Stunted growth:
Christians that have “stunted growth” are called “carnal” by Paul (1 Cor 3:1-2) and exhibit character traits similar to those who are true babes in Christ. Paul makes a clear distinction between the carnal and spirit led believers. He also makes a separation between carnal Christians and baby Christians (he says as unto babes). The word carnal means having nature of the flesh; under control of animal appetites; there are those who say they are only babes, but they are not babes chronologically. They have been saved long enough to be more mature than they presently are and in a sense they are babes, but since they are older as far as the time they have been saved, they are classified by Scripture as carnal – they have not progressed, but allowed their progress to be stunted by the cares of life and its pleasures (Lu 8:14). Other related Scriptures speak of the problem areas that carnal Christians identify with in their attitudes and life (Gal 5:19-21; Eph 3:16-19; Rom 12:1-2; 1 Thes 4:3-7; Ro 6:6).
We usually think of a carnal Christian as one who has not been sanctified, which is correct, but in actuality their condition might not be one of choice but one of ignorance. They may have not progressed in their development and understanding due to their lack of continuing to grow, but not resisting of the cleansing of the Spirit.
 
Our salvation:
In Phil 2:12 Paul tells us to work out our own salvation. He is not telling us to work for it but to work it out. The text speaks of obedience from the believer – when they are with others and when they are not with others. This has much to do with the sanctification crisis and process. As we read, study, obey and continually search for knowing Christ and His word as it pertains to life and faith, we will come to the crisis point of heart purity. It will not be the same for everyone, but everyone will experience God’s cleansing as we continue our walk with Him and surrender when He shows our true condition. (1 Jn 1:7).