My Advice for New Christians

There’s something about newborn babies that draws us. We want to hold their little hands and caress their little feet. We love how they fall asleep so gently and trusting on our shoulders. It’s their innocence and helplessness that beckons our inner desire to protect and care for them.

It’s the same with new believers in Christ Jesus. They are so full of joy and newness with the refreshing presence of God in their lives. At times, they’re sweetly innocent in their passion and desire to show everyone the way to Christ. They distinctly remember crossing from darkness and losing the weight of their sin to the cleansing, pure light of Jesus in their lives.

Unlike newborn babies, new Christians are very much aware of their past lives, thoughts, and actions. Take a minute to soak in advice to help grow up in the faith:

Advice #1) Remember…that you were saved by God’s grace and not your works

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Many new believers convince themselves shortly after salvation that they now must work to keep it. However, none of us were saved by what we did—only by the grace of God. Through His kindness we’re forgiven in spite of ourselves. We’re compelled to do good works out of our thankfulness to God and this reveals the genuine reality of our faith.

Advice #2) Realize…that the body of Christ isn’t perfected yet

“Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it” (1 Corinthians 12:27).

After salvation many people start looking for the perfect church; however, once they join it—it’s imperfect! There’s no perfect Christian or church. In fact, the more you mature in Christ, the more sin-aware you become. Only Christ is perfect, but He is perfecting His church in every continent. It’s your responsibility to remain humble, stay focused on God’s word, and pray for wisdom in dealing with people in the church.

Advice #3) Reach…out towards mature believers in the faith

“But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil” (Hebrews 5:14).

It’s possible for an older believer to have never fully comprehended the deeper things of God and a younger believer to have a fullness of the wisdom from God due to their unwavering faith. The difference in maturity isn’t always marked by years, but rather by how one carries themselves when tested in their faith. Ask God to send mature believers so you can grow through discipleship and mentoring. New believers need godly men and women to share truth for life’s everyday troubles, temptations, and trials.

Advice #4) Restore…broken relationships as much as it is possible for you

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18).

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18)

You may have caused brokenness in relationships. However since your new birth, you are spiritually drawn to live in peace with other people. Your life becomes a witness of the reality of Christ within you when you forgive, love, and return good for evil done to you. Everyone may not respond positively. Regardless, do what you can in Christ and trust in God to work everything for your good. It will be difficult at first, but as you continue to walk in faith—your maturity and honesty will be evident to all those looking at your life.

Advice #5) Resist…the discouragement from the devil

“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7).

Just as Satan did everything he could to discourage Jesus at the onset of His ministry, he will also try on you. The devil doesn’t come when you are sensing a spiritual surge; rather, he comes when you’re discouraged, wiped out, and feeling alone. The word of God is powerful when spoken in faith against the taunts of your enemy. Make sure to memorize Ephesians 6:10-20 and 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 so you will be ready for battle.

Advice #6) Release…all your cares to God on a daily basis

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).

There will be times when you will doubt your salvation. There will be times when you won’t feel like God cares. There will be times when Christians will let you down. These are the times for openness and honesty with God. He has everything you need to make it through faith. God will cradle you spiritually in His arms like a newborn baby. Let your heavenly Father care for you and help you through the difficult days ahead.

“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 2:2-3).

Your new journey in Christ will be filled with joys and pains; yet nothing is ever wasted in God’s plan for your life. He will never leave you nor forsake you. Just take it one step at a time in faith…trusting in His word every day and you will mature in this Christian way.