Spiritual Children

When we speak of children, we generally are thinking about people who are physically young and immature. They have much to learn about so many things in life. It is clear from working with children, that they learn by repetition. Children and adults learn similarly in this respect. Some experts advise that adults repeating the name of a person you just meet 7 times, verbally will help them not forget those new names. Although actions of children are more perceptible, have you ever observed how people who are repeatedly taught a series of new or different facts about a new topic and seem to lack comprehension until one day, the “Aha moment” arrives and they have realization of the data repeatedly presented and begin to understand most of the concept. Gaining understanding in the spiritual realm is similar to this at times. We read and study the Bible, then pray, but the clear comprehension just escapes our minds. Then one day, as we read or reflect on a topic and it begins to make more sense. Jesus enjoys the times people are trying to learn about Him; He and had encouraging words regarding children. He once demonstrated this, “People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.’ And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.” - (Mk. 10:13-16).

Children usually accept they have much to learn and try very hard as they are motivated and encouraged. This is good since Isaiah says there is a time when children should be responsible to a degree for their decisions, “By the time this child is old enough to choose what is right and reject what is wrong, he will be eating yogurt and honey,” (Isa. 7:15). People usually easily forgive children for their mistakes because they realize there are many things the children do not yet know and children learn best by mistakes made; there are many mistakes they have not yet made. The best learning arena for children is a place where they can learn from their mistakes, but the mistakes they are allowed to make are not harmful to their physical or mental health. As children grow older and their arena for protected mistakes expands to a point where suitable protection is no longer in place and they must depend on their earlier experiences to guide further decisions. As people become adults they move through the periods of social law to a point when there are few limits to their actions without life changing results or severe penalties for actions from poor judgment. People are expected to gain knowledge and apply it to their physical life practices in the physical world; this observation can also be applied to our spiritual lives. All who come to accept the gift Jesus offers begin like children when we begin to learn about what Jesus wants for us. When we become adults, the life arena becomes much larger with greater availability to make good decisions and succeed and praise God or bad decisions that disappoint the indwelling Holy Spirit. There is also a progression to greater understanding of God. We must first believe He exists. Once this happens, the Holy Spirit can begin to put things in our pathway that allows greater understanding, leading to a decision to follow Jesus. When we make the decision to have faith in Jesus’ work and become a Christian, we are given the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit. At this time God lives within us and provides greater understanding of God’s ways. Those who have been Christians longer need to offer both encouragement, and expect mistakes as the infants in Christ learn, but we are expected to try and learn. Peter states the goal very clearly, “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.” (1Pet. 2:2-3). Paul addressed an opportunity for growth with the Corinthians, “Brothers, I could not address you as spiritual but as worldly -- mere infants in Christ. I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready.  You are still worldly.  For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly?  Are you not acting like mere men? For when one says, "I follow Paul," and another, "I follow Apollos," are you not mere men?" - 1Cor. 3:1-5 (NIV).  This is but one of many opportunities the family at Corinth had to learn. Let us who are expected to be more mature in Christ understand that there may be many opportunities for us to continue learning more about what Jesus wants for us and others. As we move along our unique individual spiritual journeys, let us provide a safe arena for grace and forgiveness for mistakes made while attempting to grow as the Holy Spirit leads each person according to His words in scripture.