Babies aren't mature...

Yesterday, we got to babysit my youngest nephew. He'll be a year old in October (you can figure out the months). It's been about four years since one of our boys was this little. Our boys are in the mostly self-sufficient stage of their life. They know how to get a snack after they ask. They know when they need to use the bathroom. One of them even knows how to do his own laundry-beautiful moment in life.
Having one this little in the house again made me think about all the things we haven't had to think about for a long time.
-Is that too small for him to play with?
-Is he wet?
-Is he hungry?
-Is it safe for him to crawl over there?
Then of course, uncle Jacob started patting his back and they put each other to sleep. Rough life.

All of this made me think about baby Christians. Sometimes we forget what it was like when we first decided to live for Christ. I mean, it's not like things ever get easy but when this is a brand new way of living sometimes a little extra help is needed and appreciated. 
And in reality, it works both ways. New Christians need mature Christians, ones that have been living for God for a while. Ones that they can go to, without judgement, and ask stupid questions without feeling stupid. And mature Christians need new Christians with their fresh fire and passion for God. Reminding them of the same passion they had when they first turned to God.

"Continue to have faith and do what you know is right. Some people have rejected this, and their faith has been shipwrecked." 1 Timothy 1:19

The Apostle Paul spoke these words to Timothy, someone new to the faith. He wanted him to be successful in his faith. He wanted him to stay true to his faith. We need to ensure that we are doing the same. If God is nudging you to help mentor someone else don't wait until you're qualified, instead pray continually for God to give you the right words and the right times.

God, help us in our walk to mature and grow. Then God, as we mature and grow, guide us to those younger in the faith that we can help mentor. When they do something 'not very Christian' give us patience. Help us to remember how patient you have been with us when we do things that 'aren't very Christian'. Lord, allow us to recognize that they cannot run before they crawl. There are things that we may have already learned that they are still learning. Help us not to rush them but to guide them as we would small children. Remind us always that we are one body and we need to work together for your glory. Amen