Larry Lilly's Journal Growth: The Baby Bird Syndrome Mike Pyatt Vol 20 Issue 8
Mike Pyatt
The Baby Bird Syndrome
The Robin family moved into my wife’s hanging plant about a month ago. It has been both marvelous and humorous up close and personally observing the birthing process of baby birds. Neither of us are ornithologist if so, we’d call them Turdus migratorius, a migratory songbird. We’ve learned a thing or two about Robin’s habits. Momma Robin rules the roost. She’s highly protective of the eggs she lay. Since God has created all life, one could anticipate some commonality with our winged creation. Mother and Father Robin work closely in this arrangement-a tag team approach-feeding and protecting. Once the first two hatched the real work commenced. Protection and nurturing, wholly engaged in anticipating the fuzzy little creatures every need.
After about a week the two chicks do two things-eat and sleep. While awake, the pair chirp, necks constantly stretched, beaks wide open and begging, awaiting Mother and Father Robin to stuff them full of insects and worms.
One “bird brain” claims the two chicks will consume fourteen feet of worms during their gorging stage. It’s outside one man’s realm to know what Robins think, but through observation, the babies are totally absorbed with two things-eating and being coddled in their comfort zone. That’s what baby birds do before they attempt their first solo flight in about thirteen days after hatching. Whether it’s God’s crowning glory of Man, or Robin chicks, it’s cute to observe. Not so much when human adults behave similarly.
Sadly, this metaphor describes a segment of the Body of Christ, who’re bunkered in their comfort zone, waiting for God to feed them, exerting precious little effort to participate. One could label them as incapacitated foodies. Of course, God’s not surprised by this comportment, though He never endorsed it. In fact, the Apostle Peter affirms the nature of newborns craving in I Peter 2:2, as a vital component of growth. However, it’s a sign of immaturity when adults behave like newborn. Stunted Christians should progress to eating meat at some stage-moving beyond the milk stage. It wasn’t a compliment to still be on a pablum diet, when meat was on the menu, described in
I Corinthians 3:2, “I gave you milk, not solid food, for you weren’t ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready.”
Dwarf Christians contribute little to the Body of Christ. Picture “adults” frolicking around church in pampers, distracting the work of Jesus Christ with childish, boorish antics. Hyperbole perhaps, but the metaphor stands. It’s inordinately out of character.
Paul considered them as “brothers” but he characterized them as “worldly not spiritual.” God’s plan’s clearly outlined in the Scriptures is birth, growth and maturity. Leaving behind the elementary. It’s observable in God’s creation. Plants grow and mature; animals likewise; and we mortals have our schematic design and purpose. In our realm, flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to the Spirit.
Paul was vexed that the Galatians or Hebrew converts, they were born again, but not growing. Most troubling to the living church is that the “baby Christian” is self-absorbed, rather than serving others. One must face the facts, unbridled pampering the baby has a predictable outcome-a spoiled self-serving offspring.
In our own realm as parents we’ve experienced first hand how an infant demands everything their way-be held, be fed and ever-present comfort. The slightest noise may jolt them-exploding-unpredictably predictable. Brethren it ought not to be so with us. It’s time to grow-up. It’s not merely the passing of time in the Christian realm that leads to maturity, but by obedience to the will of God. Few understand there’s no substitute for obedience.
C.S. Lewis understood the elusive element of humility, which a newborn of any species will not attain. He observed,” true humility is not thinking less of yourself, it is thinking of yourself less.” That must be inculcated specifically into the Christian’s pilgrimage to that eternal destiny. Proof that the #MeToo generation was predated in the early church’s #MeOnly generation. There’s a burgeoning membership to this day.
One mustn’t confuse the admirable childlike faith that Jesus said is a must to enter the kingdom. Just as newborn babes rely wholly upon their parents, His followers must be wholly dependent upon our Lord. There’s also no substitute for loving God with all one’s heart, mind and soul. Cultivating a growing knowledge of God’s word leads to loving Him more deeply, transforming a formerly immature relationship into a vibrant growing one. Ignoring the challenge to grow spiritually leads to a sub-race of theological dwarfs.
G.K. Chesterton observed, “Christianity has not been tried and found wanting; it has been found difficult and left untried.”
There’s personal effort involved to eclipse that stage of ever-present comfort of the “baby bird syndrome.” Oscar Wilde’s 1890 novel “The Picture of Dorian Gray” is a parable of childish behavior because Dorian Gray refuses to grow up, desiring to retain his youthfulness and remain forever childish, committing a catalog of sins that stunt his spiritual development.
One needn’t be an ornithologist to be a bird-watcher, no more than one need be a theologian to grow spiritually. Don’t be a Dorian Gray. Be who God has called you to be. Superficiality must yield to substance. As mortals there’s no surcease to struggles, but as a serious Christian, one mustn’t submit to “infantile behavior.” What do you think?
Editor's Note: Mike Pyatt is a good ole boy from Indianapolis. I have known him for over 40 years. A solid Christian has served in several colleges and was a grand counselor to me and the staff at a church I pastored in those early years in Indiana. He know lives in the great state of Wyoming and has written several books as well as his column in several Western Newspapers. LML
***
“I am not what I ought to be; how imperfect and deficient I am. I am not what I wish to be. Though I am not what I ought to be, I can truly say I am not what I once was, a slave to sin and to Satan. I can heartily say like the Apostle Paul, I am what I what I am.”
John Newton former slave trader. Amazing Grace.
The Robin family moved into my wife’s hanging plant about a month ago. It has been both marvelous and humorous up close and personally observing the birthing process of baby birds. Neither of us are ornithologist if so, we’d call them Turdus migratorius, a migratory songbird. We’ve learned a thing or two about Robin’s habits. Momma Robin rules the roost. She’s highly protective of the eggs she lay. Since God has created all life, one could anticipate some commonality with our winged creation. Mother and Father Robin work closely in this arrangement-a tag team approach-feeding and protecting. Once the first two hatched the real work commenced. Protection and nurturing, wholly engaged in anticipating the fuzzy little creatures every need.
After about a week the two chicks do two things-eat and sleep. While awake, the pair chirp, necks constantly stretched, beaks wide open and begging, awaiting Mother and Father Robin to stuff them full of insects and worms.
One “bird brain” claims the two chicks will consume fourteen feet of worms during their gorging stage. It’s outside one man’s realm to know what Robins think, but through observation, the babies are totally absorbed with two things-eating and being coddled in their comfort zone. That’s what baby birds do before they attempt their first solo flight in about thirteen days after hatching. Whether it’s God’s crowning glory of Man, or Robin chicks, it’s cute to observe. Not so much when human adults behave similarly.
Sadly, this metaphor describes a segment of the Body of Christ, who’re bunkered in their comfort zone, waiting for God to feed them, exerting precious little effort to participate. One could label them as incapacitated foodies. Of course, God’s not surprised by this comportment, though He never endorsed it. In fact, the Apostle Peter affirms the nature of newborns craving in I Peter 2:2, as a vital component of growth. However, it’s a sign of immaturity when adults behave like newborn. Stunted Christians should progress to eating meat at some stage-moving beyond the milk stage. It wasn’t a compliment to still be on a pablum diet, when meat was on the menu, described in
I Corinthians 3:2, “I gave you milk, not solid food, for you weren’t ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready.”
Dwarf Christians contribute little to the Body of Christ. Picture “adults” frolicking around church in pampers, distracting the work of Jesus Christ with childish, boorish antics. Hyperbole perhaps, but the metaphor stands. It’s inordinately out of character.
Paul considered them as “brothers” but he characterized them as “worldly not spiritual.” God’s plan’s clearly outlined in the Scriptures is birth, growth and maturity. Leaving behind the elementary. It’s observable in God’s creation. Plants grow and mature; animals likewise; and we mortals have our schematic design and purpose. In our realm, flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to the Spirit.
Paul was vexed that the Galatians or Hebrew converts, they were born again, but not growing. Most troubling to the living church is that the “baby Christian” is self-absorbed, rather than serving others. One must face the facts, unbridled pampering the baby has a predictable outcome-a spoiled self-serving offspring.
In our own realm as parents we’ve experienced first hand how an infant demands everything their way-be held, be fed and ever-present comfort. The slightest noise may jolt them-exploding-unpredictably predictable. Brethren it ought not to be so with us. It’s time to grow-up. It’s not merely the passing of time in the Christian realm that leads to maturity, but by obedience to the will of God. Few understand there’s no substitute for obedience.
C.S. Lewis understood the elusive element of humility, which a newborn of any species will not attain. He observed,” true humility is not thinking less of yourself, it is thinking of yourself less.” That must be inculcated specifically into the Christian’s pilgrimage to that eternal destiny. Proof that the #MeToo generation was predated in the early church’s #MeOnly generation. There’s a burgeoning membership to this day.
One mustn’t confuse the admirable childlike faith that Jesus said is a must to enter the kingdom. Just as newborn babes rely wholly upon their parents, His followers must be wholly dependent upon our Lord. There’s also no substitute for loving God with all one’s heart, mind and soul. Cultivating a growing knowledge of God’s word leads to loving Him more deeply, transforming a formerly immature relationship into a vibrant growing one. Ignoring the challenge to grow spiritually leads to a sub-race of theological dwarfs.
G.K. Chesterton observed, “Christianity has not been tried and found wanting; it has been found difficult and left untried.”
There’s personal effort involved to eclipse that stage of ever-present comfort of the “baby bird syndrome.” Oscar Wilde’s 1890 novel “The Picture of Dorian Gray” is a parable of childish behavior because Dorian Gray refuses to grow up, desiring to retain his youthfulness and remain forever childish, committing a catalog of sins that stunt his spiritual development.
One needn’t be an ornithologist to be a bird-watcher, no more than one need be a theologian to grow spiritually. Don’t be a Dorian Gray. Be who God has called you to be. Superficiality must yield to substance. As mortals there’s no surcease to struggles, but as a serious Christian, one mustn’t submit to “infantile behavior.” What do you think?
Editor's Note: Mike Pyatt is a good ole boy from Indianapolis. I have known him for over 40 years. A solid Christian has served in several colleges and was a grand counselor to me and the staff at a church I pastored in those early years in Indiana. He know lives in the great state of Wyoming and has written several books as well as his column in several Western Newspapers. LML
***
“I am not what I ought to be; how imperfect and deficient I am. I am not what I wish to be. Though I am not what I ought to be, I can truly say I am not what I once was, a slave to sin and to Satan. I can heartily say like the Apostle Paul, I am what I what I am.”
John Newton former slave trader. Amazing Grace.
Letters & Comments
Dear Brother Larry & The Great Blonde,
Grace and peace to all that you hold dear! God’s power and might are evident in every situation I find myself in!
For years we’ve had volunteers preach that Jesus would open the door for a lot of us and to be ready. There are now three possible open doors!
Two are legislative, and the other is commutation. The bill for lifers is very close to passing. The Republican’s wanted harsher guidelines for those who have taken the life of public servants, so when that is incorporated, they will pass it. The other bill is for anyone over 55 and has 25 years in, is eligible for parole. Prayer really does change things!
I can see my freedom so clearly! I’ve seriously started making plans for my release. I see a little over two years before my deliverance. So such things as where I am going to live if I don’t have to go to a half-way house. Who’s going to pick me up? Who’s going to pick out my going home clothes. And the most important thing, employment. I have to envision my plan A, B, and C. I’m calling those things which be not as though they were!
Romans 4:17 (as it is written, "I have made you a father of many nations") in the presence of Him whom he believed--God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did; (NKJV).
God’s timing is always perfect! Bridges are being mended with my sons. I wasn’t with them for most of their lives. But praise God both are saved and doing well!
Pastor Larry, on those moments when you’re a little despondent, know that your labor is not in vain! C.W.
Editor’s Note: Hope does spring eternal, and the prison populations around the country are vibrant with hope. C.W. has served the 23 years so far of his sentence in a walk with Jesus that would do an outsider proud. Say a prayer for him and others like him in chains. LML.
Pastor Larry,
I recall a commitment I made to the Lord so many long years ago. Being lost until the age of 30, and then called to preach not long after that, I was conscious of my deep, even scary ignorance of the Word. So I wanted to learn as much of it as I could as quickly as I could, and there came a time when I told the Lord I would spend no time at all on sports: no reading about it; no watching it; no discussing it. And it was entirely between me and the Lord, and has nothing to do with what other people do. It's a good thing for a great many people, but God had given me something else to do. Dave Thomas, Asst Pastor Berean
Editor’s Note: Dave and I have been co-laborers with Jesus for forty four years. He is a scholar of modern English, an expert on the English used in KJV, German, and Hebrew/Greek. He is a joy to know and to work with. He is not overstating his commitment to excellence in the things of Christ. May his tribe increase LML
“No man is free who is not the master of himself.” Epictetus.
Grace and peace to all that you hold dear! God’s power and might are evident in every situation I find myself in!
For years we’ve had volunteers preach that Jesus would open the door for a lot of us and to be ready. There are now three possible open doors!
Two are legislative, and the other is commutation. The bill for lifers is very close to passing. The Republican’s wanted harsher guidelines for those who have taken the life of public servants, so when that is incorporated, they will pass it. The other bill is for anyone over 55 and has 25 years in, is eligible for parole. Prayer really does change things!
I can see my freedom so clearly! I’ve seriously started making plans for my release. I see a little over two years before my deliverance. So such things as where I am going to live if I don’t have to go to a half-way house. Who’s going to pick me up? Who’s going to pick out my going home clothes. And the most important thing, employment. I have to envision my plan A, B, and C. I’m calling those things which be not as though they were!
Romans 4:17 (as it is written, "I have made you a father of many nations") in the presence of Him whom he believed--God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did; (NKJV).
God’s timing is always perfect! Bridges are being mended with my sons. I wasn’t with them for most of their lives. But praise God both are saved and doing well!
Pastor Larry, on those moments when you’re a little despondent, know that your labor is not in vain! C.W.
Editor’s Note: Hope does spring eternal, and the prison populations around the country are vibrant with hope. C.W. has served the 23 years so far of his sentence in a walk with Jesus that would do an outsider proud. Say a prayer for him and others like him in chains. LML.
Pastor Larry,
I recall a commitment I made to the Lord so many long years ago. Being lost until the age of 30, and then called to preach not long after that, I was conscious of my deep, even scary ignorance of the Word. So I wanted to learn as much of it as I could as quickly as I could, and there came a time when I told the Lord I would spend no time at all on sports: no reading about it; no watching it; no discussing it. And it was entirely between me and the Lord, and has nothing to do with what other people do. It's a good thing for a great many people, but God had given me something else to do. Dave Thomas, Asst Pastor Berean
Editor’s Note: Dave and I have been co-laborers with Jesus for forty four years. He is a scholar of modern English, an expert on the English used in KJV, German, and Hebrew/Greek. He is a joy to know and to work with. He is not overstating his commitment to excellence in the things of Christ. May his tribe increase LML
“No man is free who is not the master of himself.” Epictetus.
The Book Worm's Corner Comments From Helpful Books
Joyce and Holocaust Survivor Eva Kor
The Seven Churches of Asia Minor William Grant Nelson, Ph.D. 166 pg. Five chapters are covering the world during the birth, ministry passion of Jesus Christ, and history surrounding the time.
Larry said; “Grant’s book on this subject is the best in print. Covering the history of the times, the Romans with their many intrigues and debauchery, and how they got that way would make for hundreds of Hollywood type plots and stories.”
When the remarks of Jesus to the Seven Churches are painted with the background of Rome, they come alive, and tragically we can better see our times against the backdrop the reasons for the decay over time of the once on fire for God churches of the epoch.
Notice this from pages 60-70:
“In the book of Revelation, the doctrine of Balaam is referred to by the letter to the seven churches. Balaam was not permitted to utter false prophecies about Israel He did something more destructive as we see here: ‘By bringing about the alienation from God, telling Balak to introduce to the Israelites the most beautiful of the Moabitish women, and let them seduce the Israelites to partake of the festivals of heathen religion leading to a common communion between the Christian and heathen religion.’”
Sounds familiar in today’s world. Rome at the earliest time was as Cicero stated, “a fringe on the skirts of barbarianism.” Corruption was the order of the day.
Seven Churches is a page-turner, and the hand that picks it up will be wiser when the book is put down. Get it! JDL.
Larry said; “Grant’s book on this subject is the best in print. Covering the history of the times, the Romans with their many intrigues and debauchery, and how they got that way would make for hundreds of Hollywood type plots and stories.”
When the remarks of Jesus to the Seven Churches are painted with the background of Rome, they come alive, and tragically we can better see our times against the backdrop the reasons for the decay over time of the once on fire for God churches of the epoch.
Notice this from pages 60-70:
“In the book of Revelation, the doctrine of Balaam is referred to by the letter to the seven churches. Balaam was not permitted to utter false prophecies about Israel He did something more destructive as we see here: ‘By bringing about the alienation from God, telling Balak to introduce to the Israelites the most beautiful of the Moabitish women, and let them seduce the Israelites to partake of the festivals of heathen religion leading to a common communion between the Christian and heathen religion.’”
Sounds familiar in today’s world. Rome at the earliest time was as Cicero stated, “a fringe on the skirts of barbarianism.” Corruption was the order of the day.
Seven Churches is a page-turner, and the hand that picks it up will be wiser when the book is put down. Get it! JDL.
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Request Free Copy.
** You may order a FREE copy due to the graciousness of Sister Nelson as the stock lasts. Help with postage appreciated but not necessary. LML. Order Here: larrylilly@larrylilly.net Or Larry Lilly, P.O. Box 5212 Terre Haute, IN 47805 |
Words of wisdom and Challenge From Dale Byers
Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord (Psalm 33:12).
The words of the song “America,” written by Samuel A. Ward in 1882, expressed the emotions of a grateful nation. America was a people whose faith was in the God of the Bible. Freedom, unity, and blessings had all come at a tremendous price, the price of the blood of fathers and sons, brothers and sisters. The fires of adversity had molded a hurting, aching, and grieving people into one solid nation. This new nation was far from perfect, but determined to build a republic (not a democracy) where the people are governed by laws established according to the solid rock foundation of the Bible.
It was almost universally recognized that these United States were the mighty work of God. God has used America to bring blessings to many other nations. We have been active in feeding the hungry, helping the hurting, and setting free those who were bound by the tyranny of men. In victories of war, the walls of our enemies were rebuilt. We loaned money to assist the downtrodden in their labors. We were the lenders and not the borrowers. Our streets were safe, our homes and marriages were secure, and our principles of hard work, honesty, and duty stood out in the world.
In many ways America failed to fulfill the principles for which she was founded, but God still abundantly poured out His grace upon this nation. Grace may be defined as “God giving us what we do not deserve.” In contrast, mercy is defined as “God not giving us what we do deserve.” Sandwiched between His mercy and grace is the divine attribute of longsuffering. God is longsuffering, and every day He loads us with benefits (Ps. 68:19); blessing the just and the unjust (Matt. 5:45).
How long will God’s grace continue to pour blessings after blessings on people who have rejected and refused to acknowledge His good hand? How long will He hold back judgment from a people who alter His Divine plan for the family, life, and moral ethics? How long will He allow us to live by our own passions?
Publicly, some of our leaders have confessed that the God of the Bible is not the God of America. Practically, we increasingly live as though He does not exist. Many who claim to be God’s people live as practicing atheists. We have operated our businesses in denial of His righteous standards and taught our children principles which are not centered upon integrity and truth. Greed, sensual pleasure, and selfish gratification have become the pattern, the modus operandi.
There is an end to the longsuffering of God; ask the unbelievers who died in Egypt; ask the angels who sinned; ask the people who lived in Noah’s day; ask the people who lived in Sodom and Gomorrah (Jude 5-7). Only time will measure the extent of the mercy and grace of God. America, America, God shed His grace on thee. America, America, hear God’s call to revival and return to Him. – Dale Byers
Blogsite for past articles: http://dalebyers.wordpress.com/
Editors Note: Brother Dale is a mild mannered man with many years of experience as pastor, has written a number of very good books. He is a blessing to preachers and touches many lives via his blog. He is, as many of us are praying for a move of God in our nation. I am thankful for his friendship and mentoring. LML
Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord (Psalm 33:12).
The words of the song “America,” written by Samuel A. Ward in 1882, expressed the emotions of a grateful nation. America was a people whose faith was in the God of the Bible. Freedom, unity, and blessings had all come at a tremendous price, the price of the blood of fathers and sons, brothers and sisters. The fires of adversity had molded a hurting, aching, and grieving people into one solid nation. This new nation was far from perfect, but determined to build a republic (not a democracy) where the people are governed by laws established according to the solid rock foundation of the Bible.
It was almost universally recognized that these United States were the mighty work of God. God has used America to bring blessings to many other nations. We have been active in feeding the hungry, helping the hurting, and setting free those who were bound by the tyranny of men. In victories of war, the walls of our enemies were rebuilt. We loaned money to assist the downtrodden in their labors. We were the lenders and not the borrowers. Our streets were safe, our homes and marriages were secure, and our principles of hard work, honesty, and duty stood out in the world.
In many ways America failed to fulfill the principles for which she was founded, but God still abundantly poured out His grace upon this nation. Grace may be defined as “God giving us what we do not deserve.” In contrast, mercy is defined as “God not giving us what we do deserve.” Sandwiched between His mercy and grace is the divine attribute of longsuffering. God is longsuffering, and every day He loads us with benefits (Ps. 68:19); blessing the just and the unjust (Matt. 5:45).
How long will God’s grace continue to pour blessings after blessings on people who have rejected and refused to acknowledge His good hand? How long will He hold back judgment from a people who alter His Divine plan for the family, life, and moral ethics? How long will He allow us to live by our own passions?
Publicly, some of our leaders have confessed that the God of the Bible is not the God of America. Practically, we increasingly live as though He does not exist. Many who claim to be God’s people live as practicing atheists. We have operated our businesses in denial of His righteous standards and taught our children principles which are not centered upon integrity and truth. Greed, sensual pleasure, and selfish gratification have become the pattern, the modus operandi.
There is an end to the longsuffering of God; ask the unbelievers who died in Egypt; ask the angels who sinned; ask the people who lived in Noah’s day; ask the people who lived in Sodom and Gomorrah (Jude 5-7). Only time will measure the extent of the mercy and grace of God. America, America, God shed His grace on thee. America, America, hear God’s call to revival and return to Him. – Dale Byers
Blogsite for past articles: http://dalebyers.wordpress.com/
Editors Note: Brother Dale is a mild mannered man with many years of experience as pastor, has written a number of very good books. He is a blessing to preachers and touches many lives via his blog. He is, as many of us are praying for a move of God in our nation. I am thankful for his friendship and mentoring. LML
Larry & David Harrell, Survivor of
USS Indianapolis
Friendly Reminder
If this ministry has blessed you, consider supporting our work online and in prisons. Thank you for your prayers and gifts! Together, we can make a major difference in the lives of our readers!
You may send your offering to the address at the bottom of this block.
Your prayers and financial help are essential to the successful reaching and growing people for Jesus Christ. You are important to Jesus Christ!
Larry Lilly
P.O. Box 5212
Terre Haute, IN 47805
If this ministry has blessed you, consider supporting our work online and in prisons. Thank you for your prayers and gifts! Together, we can make a major difference in the lives of our readers!
You may send your offering to the address at the bottom of this block.
Your prayers and financial help are essential to the successful reaching and growing people for Jesus Christ. You are important to Jesus Christ!
Larry Lilly
P.O. Box 5212
Terre Haute, IN 47805