Every believer enters the faith as a spiritual infant, and that is a beautiful thing. But just as a newborn requires constant care, nurturing, and teaching, new believers need the church family to walk alongside them, answer their questions, and ground them in the truth of Scripture. Jesus described a disciple in three ways: someone who knows and follows Him, someone who is being transformed by Him, and someone who is committed to His mission of making reproducing followers. These are not optional extras for the especially devoted. They are the baseline of what it means to follow Christ.
The danger comes when believers remain in spiritual infancy far longer than they should. The Apostle Paul confronted this directly with the Corinthian church, pointing out that jealousy, division, and self-centeredness are signs of a life still controlled by personal desires rather than God's. Hebrews echoes the same concern, noting that some who should be teaching others still need to be taught the basics themselves. Honest self-reflection is essential. Questions about prayer habits, Bible engagement, obedience to the Holy Spirit, generosity, and investment in others can reveal where someone truly is in their spiritual journey.
Growth does not happen by accident. It requires intentional, obedient steps. Getting baptized, attending foundational classes, connecting with a community of believers, and beginning to give are all concrete ways to move forward. God's goal for every believer is not simply salvation but full maturity, growing from the infant chair all the way to becoming a spiritual parent who helps others find and follow Jesus. That journey begins with one honest question: where are you at the table?
