You may be a spiritual infant if…
You may be a spiritual infant if…
Written by Amy Byrd.
I have the sweet opportunity to serve as “house mom” in a home for single mothers. Recently one of our residents gave birth to a beautiful little boy. When we brought him home, life as we knew it just a couple of days before was now completely refocused. All of us were tuned to his tiny cry and jumped at the chance to feed him, change him, rock him, and meet his every need. This seven pound package of humanity had our complete attention.
As I bundled this precious one up in a tight fitting swaddling blanket, I noticed that he fought hard to keep his arms free. I would snuggle one arm under the blanket, he would thrust the other arm out of the blanket in a tight baby fist that seemed to say, “I will have it my way!” Eventually, both arms were secured and as soon as the last Velcro tab was fastened, the baby completely relaxed and fell into a deep and peaceful sleep.
When we are born again into the family of God, we begin our spiritual existence like a new born baby. The reality of faith in this lifestyle of righteousness at times can feel like a snug fitting swaddling blanket that wants to keep us from exhibiting our tight-fisted, all about me approach to life. But when we realize that He has provided everything we need to become what He has declared us to be, holy and righteous, we can snuggle in to His presence and power and begin to relax in the truth that He never disappoints.
Here is the conflict – babies were created to become adults. The author of Hebrews put it this way, “…You need milk, not solid food. Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.” (Hebrews 5:12b-14) Where are you in the Christian growth spectrum? How long have you been drinking milk? Are you still a spiritual infant?
Some ways to identify if you are still a spiritual infant are as follows:
You may be a spiritual infant if…
- 1. You enjoy being the center of attention.
A baby delights in being the center of attention. If someone else is receiving attention, then a baby will do or say something to put himself in the spotlight.
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time.
(1 Peter 5:6)
- 2. You are shallow in your knowledge of the Scriptures.
Babies have very little knowledge and understanding, so they will drink poison, eat insects, play in the streets, and even jump into water far over their heads. They have a great lack of knowledge and understanding, so they must rely on others to teach them.
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.
(1 Peter 2:2-3)
- 3. You are easily offended.
Babies are very sensitive, and their feelings are easily hurt. When things don’t go their way, they will whine, cry, pout, sulk, and even throw tantrums.
Dear friends, let us love one another: for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.
(1 John 4:7)
- 4. You are never satisfied.
A baby never ceases to whimper and cry for things.
I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation…I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.
(Philippians 4:12b-13)
(Taken from Biblebelievers.com)
How is your spiritual development? Are you still in swaddling clothes or are you dressing out of the wardrobe of righteousness? Let’s climb out of our spiritual cribs and push up to the table where we can feast on the blessings of being a child of the King! His plan is for us to grow up in Him.
I am praying that we will experience a growth spurt that takes us off the chart ! There is meat to be eaten…
To read more about Amy, click here.
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