What About the Spiritual Babies?

Today Bill and I had the pleasure of visiting with some dear friends of ours in Bowling Green. Amanda just two weeks ago delivered two very healthy babies -- Caleb and Josie. Today we got to meet them, hold them, feed and burp them -- and then give them back for diaper changes!

 

I've thought today about Amanda and Trevor and about how wise God is to give twins to young people! I've thought about how wonderful it is to see these precious parents caring for their babies -- parents who 20 years ago when we left Bowling Green were mere children themselves. God prepared them well for today and the responsibility they now share. 

And, as my father did so often, I pulled a spiritual lesson from our encounter. 

What about the spiritual babies in our midst?

Are we content to witness to people and introduce them to Christ? That is very important. 

Or do we take the next step and nurture them to spiritual maturity?

Just like Amanda would not pat her babies on their backs and say, "OK, you two. Welcome to the world. Be happy and I'll see you next Sunday." We should not do the same for new believers in our churches. Amanda's babies can't feed themselves much less eat steak and potatoes. Why should we expect spiritual infants to feed themselves at first or to know even where to go to get appropriate nourishment. No. THEIR initial growth is totally up to US. 

So what do we do? You tell me. 

How do YOU teach, encourage, and mentor new Christians?