Infancy

Joanna and I have had the privilege of caring for 3 infants thus far. Infants are so precious. They are so small. They are also completely dependent. Infants would not be able to survive for very long if they were left in their crib for a number of days. They aren't able to walk to the kitchen to get food and water to help them grow. They are dependent on their Mom to feed them. Imagine how bad a diaper rash would be if they were left for a few days without a diaper change. Infants are totally dependent on the care of their Mom and Dad. Infants grow fast through the love, commitment and nurture of their parents.

In the same way, a new follower of Christ is totally dependent in their early stages of infancy. As a person steps out of the kingdom of darkness and into the kingdom of light through Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit begins to work in them, making them new and free. However, infant believers or new disciples are dependent on the body of Christ to assist them in growth.

The parenting of infant followers of Christ is often neglected in the church. So often churches do well at seeing that people have the opportunity to trust Jesus and receive salvation, or certain churches will have a focus on the deeper life of a disciple, and therefore in both situations infants are left in their crib. When this happens, the infant is not able help themselves and in most cases fall back into the same sin traps they dealt with before trusting Jesus. We must do something about this.

The Bible says in 1 Peter 2:2-3, "Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good." An infant needs someone to come alongside them and train them in the Word. They need someone who is willing to hold the bottle of milk so they can get nourishment. They need someone who will show them Scripture that will empower them as they begin their journey. Someone who will teach them the core principles of walking with Jesus.

Here is a list of core principles/practices:
1) Daily nutrition in the word
2) Communicating with God in prayer
3) Understanding faith
4) Sharing our faith in evangelism
5) Putting on the armor for battle
6) Worship and giving thanks
7) Plugging into a local church
8) Embracing God's plan for the nations
9) Understanding baptism and communion
10) Tithing

Last week, I started a beginner's Bible study for a group of youth who have just recently trusted Jesus as their Savior. I have to tell you, sitting at the table and looking into the eyes of these students reminded me of each birth of my children. I had a sense of astonishment and wonder. I was thinking of all the exciting days that are ahead for these students as they begin their new life.

Trusting Jesus is the most important decision a person will every make. However, it doesn't end there. Trusting Jesus isn't just about avoiding eternal damnation, it is about living a life that is surrendered to the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords, Jesus. Baby Christians need nourishment and care to begin their new life in Christ, and with the help of the Holy Spirit and godly men and women, they will enter into a new life of joy and freedom that will last a lifetime!