Command 43 : Be Born Again | Day 300

Grow Up From a Newborn!

Everyone rejoices when a baby is born and watches in knowing anticipation for each new ability he will develop. In time, he will learn to crawl, eat solid food, walk, and talk. When a baby does not show these signs of growth, it is often an indication that something is seriously wrong. In a similar manner, the writer of Hebrews cites the lack of spiritual growth in the lives of believers as cause for concern: “When ... ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again ...” (Hebrews 5:12).

As newborn babes, we are to desire the sincere milk of the Word that we may grow thereby. (See I Peter 2:2.)

This instruction from the Apostle Peter contains several practical considerations for spiritual growth. First, the designation of a "newborn babe" presupposes a mother who has brought forth the child through labor and is now ready and available to give personal attention to that child. Every new believer needs a loving and dedicated mentor who will care for him. This is discipleship and requires spiritual effort even as Paul stated: “I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you” (Galatians 4:19).

The second need is to create a desire for spiritual food. Early child training included putting wholesome food on the palate of the baby's mouth. This would help the child to develop an appetite for that food. I still remember the delight I experienced as the teacher who led me to Christ explained the rich and practical applications of Old Testament stories, which gave me a hunger for more of the same.

The third factor for spiritual growth is to give Biblical truth that a new Christian will be able to understand and apply. At first, a baby can receive only his mother's milk, which contains nutrients that help prevent infection and disease. However, as the child matures he can begin to eat other foods. As a Christian matures in his walk with the Lord by increasing his discernment of what is good and evil, he will be able to go from receiving the "milk of the Word" to receiving "strong meat.” (See Hebrews 5:13-14.)

The next factor is spiritual maturity. One of the signs of spiritual growth is doctrinal stability. (See Ephesians 4:14.) A mature Christian has the ability to "rightly divide the Word of truth” (see II Timothy 2:15), and also to teach others the same truths that they have learned from the one who discipled them. (See II Timothy 2:2.)

One of the clearest evidences of spiritual maturity is the ability to lead others to Christ and then disciple them.

The great need of our day is for mature disciples who can teach others the commands of Christ so that they will in turn be able to disciple others from a newborn babe to a mature disciple maker. This is God's mandate in the Great Commission and this is the way to be a blessing to all the families of the earth. (See Matthew 28:19-20.)

How would you rate your own spiritual growth? How discerning are you of what is good and what is evil? How many others have you led to Christ? How many are you now discipling? Let's make spiritual growth a priority in our lives so that we “may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing" (James 1:4).