From Sprout to Surrender: Growing Past Excuses
Have you ever heard the term “Baby Christian” in your circles? It’s one that would come up a lot in the churches I attended. It refers to someone who is newly saved and hasn’t grown up in the Church from childhood. Often it’s used to describe someone who might not be familiar with the Bible or traditional Christian practices because they are new to the faith.
Not only is this term condescending to new believers (they are in no way more or less important to the Kingdom than people who grew up in it), but it also can be used as an excuse to stay in a place of ignorance—something I was too familiar with when I first was saved.
A Seed, Newly Planted
At twenty-one, I walked hesitantly into my salvation. I had been attending church for a while but was never brave enough to come up to the front during the salvation moments because of my severe social anxiety. I was worried everyone would judge me. Everyone would have celebrated as I celebrated just like those saved before me—so why was I so anxious?
When I finally did go down for an altar call—I did it as a checklist moment. I didn't want to be there. I had watched hundreds of people accept Jesus into their lives, so full of joy and walking completely changed from that moment. My moment of salvation was not like that. I accepted Jesus into my heart but didn’t walk away changed.
Afterward, I joined a team in the kid’s ministry, surrounded myself in church-led groups, and then felt content. I had checked all the boxes of what I felt like I was “supposed” to do.
I showed up when asked and stood in worship listening to the band’s catchy tunes—thinking about my lunch plans. I saw everyone else raise their hands in worship, so I did too. I felt like if I just mirrored what everyone else was doing, I was doing enough. God would see my efforts and be pleased.
I didn’t understand at the time that He was looking for my heart, not my works.
“It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
He was looking for my heart to earnestly seek Him first.
“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord. ‘They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you,’ says the Lord. ‘I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land.’”
Because my heart wasn’t in living out God’s Word (because I did not spend time reading it as a new believer), I had many excuse sessions with God:
I didn’t need to fast because I was a new Christian.
I served in my church on several teams, so I was doing enough.
I didn't need to know how to pray because I was new to praying.
I raised my hands in worship when someone else was worshiping; therefore, I was worshipping.
I didn't need to talk about my faith to others because I wasn’t sure what I was talking about.
I bowed my head and held my hands correctly when someone else was praying; therefore, I was praying.
I didn't need to know how to read the Bible because I was new.
I listened to worship music instead of my true crime podcasts, so I was sacrificing enough.
I said yes to Jesus and that was all I ever needed to do.
I didn’t need Him because I was good enough on my own.
Doing the good works God has called us to do is important. The book of James reminds us that faith without works is “dead and useless” (2:17). But just doing good things just to do them isn’t the right posture. Walking with God is not a checklist, it’s a relationship.
A New Season of Surrender
I spent a year and a half rotating through excuses and going through the motions. It wasn’t until I was on my knees in a conference center, crying, that I gave the Holy Spirit consent to change my life—to truly change my heart.
The Holy Spirit kindly showed me that I was not living for God. I actually fought the Holy Spirit during this altar call. I spoke out loud, “That isn’t true, I serve, I am in community, and I dedicate at least three days a week to the church…”
That sentence nearly broke me when I said it out loud. Three days a week was the definition of my salvation. I was more interested in the community I found at church than I was in the relationship I had with God.
If you asked me to quote a Bible verse, I would have choked.
If you asked me to pray out loud, I would have forgotten the English language.
If you asked me to worship without a band on stage, I would have run out of the room.
From that moment, I knew I needed Him. That moment was my full surrender. Just Him and I. I knew from that day on that He was my identity. I don't want three days; I want every day, every moment to be Spirit-led and Spirit-filled.
3 Ways to Grow Past Excuses
If you find yourself in a season where you have more excuses than Spiritual fruit (Galatians 5: 22-23), here are three ways you can draw closer to God:
1. Do a Heart Check
Ask Holy Spirit to bring to mind the areas where you haven’t fully surrendered to God. Pray this psalm over yourself as you start:
“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.”
If you humble yourself before the Lord, He will gently and kindly direct you on the path He wishes you to go.
2. Engage with Scripture
The best way to learn more about God’s plan and His heart for you is by reading Scripture. If you are new to the Bible, and you aren’t quite sure where to start, check out these chapters:
3. Seek Godly Mentorship
Sometimes we can’t see ourselves clearly. That’s why God gave us a whole community to lean on. Reach out to another believer that you respect and admire that is actively producing Godly fruit—perhaps someone who is older or who has already walked through the season you are in. See if they would be interested in meeting with you or mentoring you.
A great mentor is someone who can advise in areas you are unfamiliar with, speak Truth in love and kindness, and actively listens and obeys the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Other qualities of a Godly leader can be found in 1 Timothy 3.
Living a Life Fully Surrendered
Whether you are a new believer or you grew up in the church, I would encourage you to search your heart and have an honest conversation with God. Sometimes life can be so busy and stressful that we forget our identity in Christ. Give the Holy Spirit some time today to search you and know you—to make Himself known to you. I promise, you won’t regret it.
JENA WEIST
Jena is a Midwest transfer to Nashville. She owns and operates a private equity firm, specializing in manufacturing and road construction. Jena's passion is to bridge the gap between running a business and walking with Jesus.
