But, alas, puppies grow up and become DOGS. People have higher expectations of DOGS. For instance: don't "foul" up; don't bark unless warranted; obey immediately; be ever grateful; don't get too excited; stay in the yard (house); eat your food; fetch that stick or ball; sit; stay; beg; play dead – the list of expectations is endless. DOGS have a very different life than puppies. (I wonder if they ever dream of the good old days?)

Yes, I do have a spiritual observation about this ridiculous muse.

As "new-born babes" we are given a lot of latitude as to our behavior, our learning curve and our messes! God has a lot of patience with our spiritual infancy.

But, we don't stay spiritual babies forever. At least, we're not supposed too! We grow up.

The Apostle Paul, in his brilliant exposition of love in 1st Cor. 13, makes a poignant appeal to Christian maturity when he wrote in verse 11: "When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things."

If a puppy stayed a puppy for more than the designed time frame we would know something was wrong with it's development and we would be very concerned and very sad. Something would have malfunctioned.

If a Christian remains a baby for more than the designed time frame …..

I pray the Lord blesses you today.

Warmly, in His love and life,

Roland Scroggins

© 2006