Congratulations!

Congratulations!

II Peter 3:18 --- Isaiah 43:7

A squalling cry...soft and silky skin, touch of velvet hair, teeny tiny little finger nails, eyes squinting in the light of this new world, a unique fragrance...ahh...the overwhelming joy of holding a newborn baby in my warm arms!

As I proudly held the small bundle that God created and entrusted to our daughter and son-in-law, I watched his eyes search this new world that he had burst into.  His arms stretched, his long slender fingers poking himself in the eye.  Sometimes a finger accidentally popped in his mouth.  As he lays on his Daddy's chest, he is so relaxed as he sleeps, secure in his Daddy's love and dependent on his protection.  My thoughts have been challenged by a spiritual analogy.

Consider a newborn Christian.  the Heavenly Father is just as well pleased with His "newborn child".  As a newborn baby desires milk, so a new Christian desires the nourishment of the Word of God. As a newborn baby requires the closeness of his parents' bodies, so a newborn Christian requires the Holy Spirit's abiding closeness in his heart.  As a newborn baby is dependent upon his Daddy to ensure his security, so a newborn Christian is dependent on Jesus Christ for eternal security.  As a newborn baby recognizes his Daddy's loving voice, so a newborn Christian recognizes the tender voice of the Savior.

However, babies do grow up, becoming independent, mature adults (hopefully!).  And so should "spiritual" newborns grow up, becoming nurturing, mature Christians, sharing God's truth, wisdom and love.   Are we still newborns?  Have we "grown up"??  Perhaps we need to meditate on the newness of life we experienced as a newborn believer, rekindling that energy and passion for our Creator.