But some babies don’t seem to grow for various reasons. The child’s body may be unable to process nutrition and to strengthen itself. The child may have a defective gene or faulty metabolism. For these infants doctors often diagnose them with FTT—Failure to Thrive. So why would there be any Christians labeled FTT? At the moment of our salvation, aren’t all things made new?

The Old Is Still Here

Yes, our sins have been forgiven. But our past can continue to influence us. Chances are, your family patterns of loving and relating to one another came from your parents. And where did they get them? From their parents, of course. Gender roles, how anger and conflict are handled, sexuality, spirituality—the blessings and sins of our ancestors continue to shape who we are today. Ignoring this reality doesn’t make it go away.

What unhealthy ways of living did you learn from your parents? You may be a member of the family of God, but you have learned a lot from your earthly family. And at some point every follower of Jesus needs to put off the sin traps of the past and be “morphed” into the family of God. The only other option is FTT.

Bottom Line

To follow Jesus, take a step backward so you can go forward.