The Apostle Paul calls his Corinthian brothers and sisters “infants in Christ” as they are “people who live by the Spirit but who are still worldly”. It is interesting to see that one can actually be in Christ, but still worldly. The term here in Greek, “sarkikos”, means “fleshly”, and it speaks of the person who can and should live life differently but does not do so. It is hence possible that Christians can know the things of God but yet still be significantly characterised in their lives by the demands and workings of the flesh.

Hence, as “infants in Christ”, Paul pitches his teachings to the Corinthian Christians at a introductory level, even though they probably saw themselves as more spiritually mature than they actually were. They were looking for deeper things but did not realise that they were not ready for them. Just like how milk for babies is no less important or helpful than solid food for adults, the difference between the milk and solid food that Paul mentions, is that of degree and not kind. The same truths are taught to both infants and adults but at different levels of complexity and details. Hence, the Corinthian Christians were still being fed truths of the word of God, but at a more simplistic level. They would not have been able to comprehend the complexity of God’s nature and work and hence enjoy his full glory.

So how can we tell if we are guilty of “sarkikos” behaviour? 1 Cor 3:3-4 shows that jealousy and strife are clear evidences. The Corinthian Christians, due to their lack of spiritual understanding and maturity, clamoured to claim allegiance to different Christian leaders – Paul, Peter, Apollos, Jesus. They did not understand the basic essence of their Christian faith and instead held on to confused beliefs that one leader is greater than another. Having the correct leader and strictly following him is the way to go!

Are we characterised by broken relationships with those around us? Would people around us be able to tell us apart from the world broken with deceit, malice and strife? Let us, as a Church, put away our worldly selves and instead be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Rom 12:2) to having the mind of Jesus. We humble ourselves and draw close to God. We walk daily with Jesus who will open our eyes to see wonderful things in His law (Ps 119:18). We will steadily mature in faith, hope and love and most importantly grow in love – for God and for His people. Jesus taught His disciples: “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another” (Jn 13:34-35).