Childhood #2 — What Are Children Like?

What are children like?

 They are inquisitive.

Impulsive.

Easily distracted.

Full of questions.

Playful!

They often have short attention spans and require stimulation and engagement. Habits become their friend as they learn new tasks. Encouragement goes a long way — reassurance that they are doing well, that they are progressing, that they are “fabulous” in their efforts.

Consistency matters.

Curiosity must be fed.

When those two things are present, childhood becomes rich and rewarding.

So, what should we expect in the Childhood stage of a Christian disciple?

In many ways — much the same.

Yet here lies a dilemma.

Those who are recently saved are often not children in years. We see them as adults physically and unconsciously overlay that maturity with assumed spiritual strength. But spiritually, they are young. They require nurture. Protection. Guidance. Repetition.  Encouragement.

They need space to ask questions without embarrassment.

They need reassurance when they stumble.

They need consistency in truth and love.

The writer of Book of Proverbs reminds us in Proverbs 22:6 “Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.”

Applied to disciple-making, the principle is clear: direction, training, and encouragement are essential in early formation.

Spiritual childhood requires intentional shaping.

We must foster curiosity. We must encourage those young in faith to keep seeking Jesus — to experience Him in His love, mercy, freedom, power, justice, and joy. Their questions should not threaten us; they are signs of growth.

But here is something crucial:

We are not the fountain of wisdom.

We are guides.

We lead them to the fountain — to Jesus Himself.

If we position ourselves as the source, we limit their growth. If we consistently point them to Christ, we anchor their growth.

And like good caregivers, we may need to “cut up” their food. New believers may not yet know how to navigate Scripture, how to pray, or how to process conviction. We help make truth accessible. We prepare balanced spiritual meals.

Lollies at every meal may be popular — but they are not nourishing.

A steady diet of only what feels good, only what excites, only what entertains will eventually weaken faith.  Even if they protest loudly at the ‘broccoli’ of discipleship — we know it’s good for them.

Healthy spiritual childhood includes:

• Exploration

• Structure

• Encouragement

• Correction

• Repetition

It is slower than we might prefer. But it is foundational.

Let us encourage wonder.

Let us protect curiosity.

Let us patiently nurture those youngest in faith, remembering that strong adulthood is formed in well-guided childhood.

Reflection

1.          Do I expect spiritual maturity from those who are still spiritually young?

2.          Am I patient with questions, repetition, and inconsistency in new believers?

3.          As a disciple-maker, am I pointing people to Jesus — or subtly positioning myself as their source?

4.          What kind of “diet” am I helping provide: nourishing truth, or spiritual lollies?

Prayer

Father,

Thank You for Your patience with me in my own spiritual childhood.

Thank You that You did not expect maturity before its time.

Give me wisdom to nurture those young in faith with gentleness and consistency.

Help me to encourage curiosity, to provide healthy truth, and to point others always to Jesus.

Guard me from impatience.

Guard me from pride.

Make me a faithful guide, not a substitute source.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.

Call to Action

This week, identify one person who is young in their faith.

Encourage their questions.

Affirm their progress.

Help them take one small, nourishing step forward — whether in Scripture, prayer, or obedience.

Spiritual childhood flourishes where curiosity is welcomed and guidance is steady.

Let us disciple accordingly.