In recent years, I’ve been reminded how God replaces our “baby teeth” by giving us permanent “new teeth”. I’ve seen the process repeated over and over for my grandson.

What’s the process?

There’s discomfort and pain as the “baby teeth” fall out.

Afterwards, there’s an empty space that hinders eating, speaking and healing.

Slowly, the new tooth pokes through the gum, causing discomfort and itching.

At last, the permanent, pearly-white new tooth emerges fully.

In our lives, there is a similar process.

The Apostle Paul described how to make a “baby tooth” loosen and fall out:

—we put aside deeds of darkness (Romans 13:12);

—we put off our old ways of life that are being corrupted by deceitful desires (Ephesians 4:22);

—we no longer conform to the patterns of this world (Romans 12:2); and

—we are transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2).

The Prophet Isaiah described “empty spaces” in our lives:

—“empty spaces” that don’t hear, see or feel (Isaiah 6:9-10);

—“empty spaces” that don’t understand, perceive or heal (Isaiah 6:9-10);

—“empty spaces” that lack wisdom and intelligence (Isaiah 29:14); and

—“empty spaces” that keep our hearts far from the LORD (Isaiah 29:13).

The Apostle Peter described how a “new tooth” emerges gradually, as we grow in wisdom and in stature, and in favor with God and with others. (Luke 2:52).

How?

—with the precious blood of Jesus through whom we believe in God so that our faith  and hope are in God. (1 Peter 1:18-25).

—by adding to our faith goodness;

—by adding to our goodness, knowledge;

—by adding to our knowledge, self-control;

— by adding to our self-control, perseverance;

—by adding to our perseverance, godliness;

—by adding to our godliness, mutual affection; and

—by adding to our mutual affection, love! (2 Peter 1:5-8).

Jesus described what a fully-formed “new tooth” looks like:

—a life full of abundance (John 10:10).

—a life full of joy (John 10:10).

—a life full of loving the LORD our God with all of our heart and with all of our soul and with all of our strength and with all of our mind (Matthew 22:37; Deuteronomy 6:5).

—a life full  of doing for others what we would like them to do for us. (Matthew 7:12; Matthew 22:39).

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION

1. In what parts of your life are there “baby teeth” that need to be replaced?

2. In what parts of your life are there “empty spaces” that keep your heart far from the LORD?

3. In what parts of your life is a “new tooth” emerging, gradually?

4. In what parts of your life do you have a fully formed “new tooth” of abundance and joy, for loving and doing?

READ MORE

For a thought aligned with needing a whole new tooth, please read my blog “A COMPLETELY New Heart”.

For additional thoughts inspired by needing good “teeth”, please read my blog “The Good Dentist: Deep Cleanings” and “The Good Dentist: My Crown”.

For additional thoughts inspired by my grandson, please read my blogs “The Christmas Star: I Saw It in Real Life!”, “Honoring God with Only Our Lips”, “What Makes a Hero Good?”, “Video Game Strategy: Getting Crucified”, “Sprouting Seeds Takes Patience”, “Birthdays”, “I Love You Gram. Bye!”, and “Let the Creator Show and Tell Me What To Do”.