Bubba Ludwig can't walk or talk, but he can legally own a gun in the state of Illinois. The 10-month-old baby was issued a firearm owner's identification card after his father paid the required $5 fee and filled out the application, not expecting to actually get one. The application lists Bubba's height at 2 feet 3 inches and displays a scribble on the signature line. All this occurred because Bubba's grandfather had purchased him a 12 gauge shotgun for Bubba to use once he reaches hunting age. Crazy, huh? Yet all perfectly legit as there are no age restrictions on gun ownership in Illinois.What makes this story so bizarre is that we usually do not associate a 12 gauge shotgun with a ten month-old baby! When we think of babies, we usually think of diapers and pacifiers, car seats and rattles! Real guns (of any gauge or type) are not the usual components of "babyhood!"
Yesterday, I got to hold a baby who is less than a week old. Wow! How small, how fragile. Yet, God willing, this child will grow up to be a strong healthy adult. How do I know this - because that is how life usually works. We don't stay babies forever! What is true in the physical arena, should (note I said should) be true also in the spiritual arena. After trusting Christ (and being born into the family of God - see John 1:12 and John 3) we should experience growth as Christians. HOWEVER, far too often we do not, and the words of Hebrews 5:12-14 apply: "In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil."
Are you doing what needs to be done to grow in your faith? This week, I am going to discuss a number of keys to spiritual growth. I hope you check back.
Thanks for stopping by,
pj
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