Walking
with
GOD

Walk in
Newness of Life

"Or do you not know that

as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus

were
baptized into His death?
Therefore we were buried with Him

through baptism into death,

that just as Christ was raised from the dead
by the glory of the Father,
even so we also should
walk in newness of life."
(Romans 6:3 - 4)

"Walking in newness of life." Have you ever thought of that phrase? Have you ever thought about what it means, particularly for a new Christian?

Newborns are kind of wobbly when they walk and are prone to falling as they waddle. That’s okay, because God gave them short legs and they don’t have too far to fall. Babies can’t take giant steps. Only giants can take giant steps. Babies take little steps. And that’s okay, because that’s how its suppose to be. Babies are just learning to walk. And we applaud their smallest accomplishments. Take snapshots and video each journey. Brag about them. Tell everyone how exceptional our child is.

"Johnny took his first step today!" "Sara walked all the way from the couch to the table!" Amazing stuff!

Sometimes I believe we place more expectations upon young Christians than God does on either new or older Believers. Fresh from the baptistery, we often expect newborn Christians to act and behave like older members of the family. We complain when they waddle when they walk. We get upset when they stumble and fall. Instead of encouraging them, are often too quick with criticism and a discouraging comment like; "Well, I never thought they would make it anyway."

They’re newborns. Born into a family – the family of God. Placed here by the Lord, to be nurtured, encouraged and strengthened, and maybe even bragged on for even their small accomplishments.

What an honor and privilege God has placed in our care – newborns!