Spiritual Childhood in the Bible

Spiritual childhood is the opening stage of the Christian journey, marked by wonder, total dependence upon the Father and upon those who teach, and the need for the "milk" of doctrine. 1 Peter 2:2 expresses it this way: "As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby." Like an infant who instinctively cries for nourishment, the new believer must long for this pure milk in order to grow. 1 Corinthians 3:1-2 speaks of these "babes in Christ" to whom Paul gave "milk, and not with meat," because they were not yet able to bear it. This season of faith is beautiful in its simplicity: love for the Lord is fresh, the heart is open, and trust is spontaneous. Jesus Himself declared that we must receive the kingdom "as a little child" (Mark 10:15), making this trusting humility a model for all. Spiritual childhood thus has its own virtues: trust, wonder, and an uncomplicated love for the Father. The danger is not in beginning there, but in remaining there indefinitely instead of pressing on toward maturity. Hebrews 5:12 addresses this rebuke to those who, "when for the time ye ought to be teachers," still had "need that one teach you again which be the first principles" and milk rather than strong meat. To be new in the faith is therefore a cause for joy and celebration, provided we let God lead the soul, in time, into the full stature of Christ.