Are You a Baby?

Have you ever been called a baby?

Babies cry when they don’t get their way and emotionally overreact with the first sign of adversity. They complain and pout. They are immature and incapable of handling much. Yes, newborn infants are babies, but adults can be babies too.

In fact, the Bible describes adult babies very clearly.

“[12] For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. [13] For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. [14] But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” – Hebrews 5:11-14

“[1] And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. [2] I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. [3] For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?” – 1 Corinthians 3:1-3

“[14] That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; [15] But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:” – Ephesians 4:14-15

Biblical babies are those not established in what the Bible calls milk doctrine, or the fundamentals, like the Godhead, the person of Jesus Christ, the gospel, Bible belief and infallibility, grace, and the body of Christ to name a few. They are easily drawn away by the wisdom of the world with it’s smooth talking self-help gurus or those who twist the Bible for their own benefit. If you find yourself always seeking joy and love outside of Christ, picking fights, causing issues, and being discontent, you’re acting like a carnally minded baby and there’s a chance you might have some growing up to do.

These passages share an important lesson: when you have an unlearned baby Christian (even if that’s you), focus on the fundamentals until that person is firmly grounded and not blown about by every teaching that comes their way.

All of us start as babies in Christ, unskilled in God’s Word and pitiful at applying it. The important thing is not to stay there. We might be mature in some areas, but immature in others: honest reflection, Bible reading, fellowship, and prayer allow us to identify where we need to grow. We all need to grow up and we do that by being established in the fundamentals and applying the truth.

Faithful, soberminded, and consistent Christians are the result of grounding in the milk doctrines and beginning to consume the meat. When you know who you are in Christ, the purpose He has given you, and the hope of glory that awaits you, it’s much easier to be temperate, cool, and calm despite the ups and downs in your life (1Co 9:25).

Study the Bible. Believe it. Apply it. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you grow up!