Someone recently called me a "baby Christian" after hearing I was just baptized in 2006. I know the term is sometimes used to describe new Christians or those who are "stuck" in their walk early on. The term ruffles my feathers especially when referring to a new Christians.
My issues is that it sets up a superior/inferior relationship amongst people. "You are a baby, I am the adult" so therefore more mature than the person being called the "baby". Am I a new(er) believer? Yes. Do I have a long way to go to becoming more Christ like? Absolutely. Does that make me a baby? No.
It doesn't matter if you are a new believer or grew up in the church, if we are still on earth we have a long way to go in our walk. Life is a continuous learning process for everyone. I have just as much to learn from someone who has been a Christian for 60 years as I do someone who has been one for 60 minutes. Every person brings their unique perspective and personality into their Christian life. Look at Paul -- he was a new believer but he was no "baby" in his walk with Christ.
Instead of attempting to label someone, how about next time you try listening and learning something from them instead? You might just be amazed at what they have to say.
About Me
- I'm Jen.
- I like to talk. I have two kids -- Jake and Molly (aka Moo). My husband is Dave. I hate bees. I was born and raised in the Motor City (really THE city, not the 'Burbs). Now I live amongst the soccer Moms and McMansions. This blog is about my life and whatever random thought pops into my head.
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2021 Review Thingo2 years ago
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DIY: Bob Ross Trunk-or-Treat7 years ago
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Six Years10 years ago
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Summer Mantel!12 years ago
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I'm MOVIN.....13 years ago
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Do It Anyway13 years ago
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10 comments:
ah my sweet Jen....I love you so!
Matthew 18:3 reminds us this:
And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven."
The one who goes around proclaiming to only "teach" has so much to learn.
Absolutely! I Timothy 4:12 "Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity." To the extent that a 'baby believer' (I use this term with only affection) is setting an example in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, they SHOULD be respected, listened to, and learned from. My sweet daughter Lindsay teaches me things constantly-- she is 27 years younger, but much more godly than me in several ways.
But let me encourage you to not judge motives of those who have 'labeled' you. I, for one, LOVE to be around newer Christians who have not become accustomed to God's grace, but are still astounded by God's rich mercy in reaching out and choosing THEM! It sweetly reminds me that though I can't remember a time when I was unaware of Jesus's provision for salvation, I would be oh so lost if God hadn't plucked me from the darkness and awakened my eyes to his loveliness.
May we all be teachable as we become more and more beautifully reflective of Jesus.
Hey just popped back to see how your heart is on this...
Hmmm, I still am astounded by God's rich mercy, His amazing grace and the countless blessings He is showering me with even when I do not deserve any of it all......and I committed my life completely to Jesus about 12 years ago. So far from being a "baby Christian" if we are basing this on a timeline....but still a child in awe of His greatness every day.
My prayer is that I lead all people....new Believers as well as encouraging non Believers.....to the path of freedom from judgment. A path where they know that Jesus Christ loves them no matter where they are in their walk of faith and only wants to bring them closer.
I also would like to add, that although I may not articulate my words as well as others...I trust that God knows my heart and intentions and He is the only One I seek approval from. I pray that I am able to bless others as I keep it real and hopefully "relatable".
I know that even now, I sometimes find it intimidating when someone can whip out some hardcore prayer complete with 5 Scripture references, some speaking in tongues and some rebuking with volume, LOL. But you know, it's all good......we are all at different levels, no higher, no lower....and thank God, literally....that He doesn't keep score! ;)
Be well, my sweet friend Jen....
Jesus loves YOU! :)
Oh gosh, Michelle. You are so sweet. I wish I reflected Christ's light and love as well as you do.
So would her argument be that Catholics aren't Christians? Because you weren't exactly Athiest before you started attending a Baptist church. Seems like I learn a little every day about how much trouble a mouth can get you into. I think it's my life's lesson, really: To watch what I say because I never know how little innocent comments will offend, hurt, or otherwise cause people to think or feel. And I think I'm the Queen of "Foot In Mouth" Syndrome. And since I've openly admitted that, I'll go ahead and say: want me to come up and kick some you know what, cause I will!
Katie, I always know you have my back if I need it. But no butt kicking is needed. However, if you want and Travis just want to visit me ... that'd be great.
@travisandkatie
"I think it's my life's lesson, really: To watch what I say because I never know how little innocent comments will offend, hurt, or otherwise cause people to think or feel."
I *just* blogged an entry called sticks and stones about how powerful words are.....So true!!!
I have a friend who drinks lavishly … even on weekdays (Proverbs 20:1), fails miserably at submitting to her spouse (1Peter3:5), and unintentionally and foolishly speaks and damages relationships (Ephesians 4:29).
Since she can quote the scripture whilst sinning unabashedly, would she be labelled a baby christian too?
What would you say?
Thank you, God, for your magnificent grace
Thank you, friends, for the space to make mistakes
Anonymous, I am not sure what your point is in relation to the post. Could you clarify?
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