DISAPPOINTMENTS THAT NEW CHRISTIANS FACE!
Jesus expressed this scenario in the Parable of the Sower, found in Luke 8:5-15, “A sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed, some fell along the path and was trampled underfoot, and the birds of the air devoured it. And some fell on the rock, and as it grew up, it withered away, because it had no moisture. And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up with it and choked it. And some fell into good soil and grew and yielded a hundredfold.”
Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. The ones along the path are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy. But these have no root; they believe for a while, and in time of testing fall away. And as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature. As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience.
This ought to be a concern for seasoned/mature Christians, for we have a responsibility to those who are young in the faith. Therefore, what are some of the disappointments that new Christians face.
* Struggle to overcome some of the weaknesses/temptations that so easily beset them before coming to Christ. [How can we come along side and help? By teaching and encouraging them that the transformation they’re experiencing is an on-going process.]
* Mature Christians acting like they don’t have a problem/care in the entire world, until they fall short of the mark, then their transgression becomes a stumbling block to the new believer. [What can we do? Be a better example to the babe in Christ, by repenting and sharing with them that older Christians face temptations and we too are vulnerable to our shortcomings.]