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A Lesson I Learned from My Grandson

Writer's picture: Leon MazinLeon Mazin

Shavei Tzion | Return to Zion Congregation

Haifa, Israel



We are creatures of habit.


Sometimes, after we have tasted the blessings and grace of the Lord, we become accustomed to them and forget the "garbage heap" from which we were extracted, and the light of God becomes something ordinary for us.


Then, a list of temptations can pop up as we are tempted by the world, the flesh, and the devil. That’s why it's important to be on the alert and to triumph over them.


Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.” (1 Peter 2:1-3 NIV)


Peter writes this warning to believers. He provides a list of temptations that attack us when we are complacent. Malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, slander, and gossip can all destroy the Divine life.


Peter’s solution is to become “like newborn babies craving pure spiritual milk,” that we may grow.


I have a grandson a little over one year old. Every time I see him, I am simply amazed at how dynamically small children grow and develop compared to adults. It seems like only yesterday he was still crawling. Today he can run around the room without stopping, launch a smartphone app and do all sorts of complicated things.


Don't get lazy! We have an obligation, as part of our birthright, to continue to grow up in our salvation as spiritual creatures and children of God. Just as my grandson is constantly reaching for new skills, God beckons us to continue growing in the likeness of Messiah’s character. Even today, 2000 years later, Peter’s shepherd’s heart still calls us to feed and grow as a flock. It reminds us of a shepherd taking his sheep up to higher and greener pastures on the Mountain of the Lord.


Envy, grumbling, and gossip (negative bad mouthing) lead to a sad result - stunted spiritual growth and disease.


Now is the time to reflect, to rid ourselves of these footholds, and to rebuild. This topic is relevant for everyone who wants to grow up in our salvation, to ascend, to stand in the Light of the Lord, and to help others find the grace of God in Yeshua the Messiah.


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