Gospel Mugging
Spiritual infants do what infants do. They easily become restless, rebellious, rowdy, and often whine. Sadly, too many such weak Christians do not have family who know or care. What a pity!
When preachers or elders function from an authoritarian posture their “help” to others is principally in the form of threats. So, the preacher talks loudest in his sermon when weakest on biblical information or when closest to his own personal vulnerability; and elders hide behind closed doors, hoping no one will find out how cowardly they are as shepherds – hoping such problems will somehow just fade away.
There will always be a need for faithful teaching of Holy Scripture – until Christ returns! Sometimes the instruction will give new direction, demand repentance, or otherwise make spiritual demands. More often than not, however, like all little children, spiritual infants need: More acknowledgment and reassurance than information; and Loving acceptance above strident censure.
The equivalent of being held in momma’s arms when we are restless, rebellious, or rowdy.
Of course, what a child is thinking at any given moment is to them correct. It is true that gentle support from a loving and caring family does not always work. It is also true that some in the family will even exploit compassion, causing a spiritual infant to fall into habits and traps from which they may never escape.
Nevertheless, harshness generates rebellion. A strident, curt, or angry approach makes people defensive. Too often we forget Christ’s manner with tax collectors, prostitutes, and other sinners He called to Himself.
Do you know or have you heard of a spiritual infant who needed help and was reprimanded? Are you ever tempted to think that the best way to help a bewildered sinner or blundering saint is to give him/her a Gospel Mugging?
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