Children make mistakes. It’s not a statement of their competency or mental capacity. They often just don’t know any better.

The same can be said of babes in Christ. No, I don’t mean the current iteration of the Swedish One-Piece Team (someone please comment that you got that). I’m talking about new Christians, who are in the infancy of their faith. As a new Christian, I made some stupid mistakes that not only reflected poorly on Jesus, but they damaged friendships.

I vividly remember talking with a friend outside of the Reitz Union on a sunny Florida afternoon. I was a new Christian, fervent in my new faith. The topic turned to partying, and I recall proclaiming that  he shouldn’t drink. We were 21 by this point, and my friend asked why not. I was such an infant that I didn’t even know any verses to support my bold sideswipe of a claim.

My rock-solid reply: “Because… you just shouldn’t.”

If only a time machine could be invented so I could step into the past and kick myself. I poured my friend a frosty mug of baseless legalism.

This is just one of several screw-ups in my life involving friendships and faith. I don’t think that I’ll make this a series because

A. You get the point.
B. Even my self-deprecating spirit can’t take reliving so much shame.

What are some mistakes that you made as a new Christian?

Related posts:

1. Do you sign off emails with a Christian closing?
2. I miss being a Christian
3. What this Christian thinks about The Golden Compass
4. Commit to a dream – update
5. Concerts: It’s all downhill from here