Baby Lessons

Recently, two babies have made their way into our family. One is our new grandson, and the other, a little girl, belongs to a cousin. Each is precious and shows a sweet disposition. (Oh yes, I’m the grandma, and I’m supposed to say those things. But it’s true!)

It’s amazing what you can see in a very small child. How he acts as an infant gives you a glimpse of the little personality that will develop as he grows.

Being with our grandson for three weeks and with our cousin’s baby girl for one evening let us observe some interesting things about babies. We can actually learn from them.

Baby Lessons:

1. Every baby is a unique human being, created by God, designed by God, and no two are alike. Psalm 139 expresses this marvelous act of creation this way: For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them (verses 13-16). All a mother has to see is the ultrasound of her baby, and she knows this is true. God is making a unique little person in her womb. His plan for this tiny individual is there from the very start. When the baby is born, we begin to see how he is physically—if he has family characteristics—and how he acts. All of this was planned by God.
2. Babies are completely dependent on adults. They need us to feed them, love them, diaper them, and wash them. They are not able to hold a bottle, hug themselves, or clothe themselves. It’s impossible. They are just tiny, helpless people. So it is in the spiritual sphere. Baby Christians need someone else to feed them God’s Word and take care of them. They need love and patience and care. They will grow, but at first, they need tender nurturing. As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby (1 Peter 2:2).
3. Babies are happy (usually) when fed, clean, and not sleepy. They don’t need a lot of things in order to be content. They just need their physical needs met. It’s fascinating in Scripture that the Apostle Paul taught, But godliness with contentment is great gain.  For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content (1 Timothy 6:6-8). Did you notice what we’re supposed to be content with? Only two things! As spiritual people, we should be satisfied when our basic needs of food and clothing are met. In Hebrews 13:5 we read, Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. The idea here is to be content with what we have now. Why? Because God is sufficient. What a concept! He will not leave us. God will supply all our needs (Philippians 4:19). Now that’s powerful!
4. How a baby develops into adulthood depends on many factors. Part is his innate personality. Part is how he is parented—taught, protected, guided, encouraged. Part is the choices he makes as he grows and learns. And, part is due to his surroundings and other outside influences. In the spiritual world, there are many factors that contribute to the growth of a Christian. What is his innate personality? Is he lazy or ambitious? Many times, a stronger personality will help him want to get into the Bible and learn for himself. How is he “parented” or mentored? Is an older Christian in the church helping the new Christian? What decisions does he make? If they are wise, biblical decisions, he will grow by leaps and bounds. If he makes poor spiritual decisions, he will struggle. What are his outside influences? Does he frequent the not-so-wholesome places he went to before trusting Christ? If so, he will have a hard time growing spiritually. Does he continue to watch immoral or amoral shows on TV and movies? If so, the negative messages will dull his spiritual understanding. Or on the positive side, has he begun to surround himself with good people and good influences? Is he in a good church, serving the Lord?

We have enjoyed so very much getting to know our new grandson. He is such a precious little boy with bright eyes, hair that sticks up, and long fingers . . . . All of you parents and grandparents know what I mean about how precious a baby can be. We are so happy for our son and daughter-in-law with their special little guy.

It was great to meet our cousin’s beautiful, new baby girl as well.

Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD (Psalm 127:3).