Many years ago, I used think that babies were born innocent and could do no wrong. I thought they did not understand right and wrong. I thought that as they grew their personality and environment would shape who they were. But then I was taught according to God’s Word that we are born in sin, “Behold, I was born in iniquity, and in sin hath my mother conceived me (Ps. 51:5, GNV), and in Adam we all fell (Gen. 3:6–7).

I have been shown this recently with my baby who is now ten months old. Don’t get me wrong. I absolutely adore my baby and delight in her. I also know that our family can see firsthand just how depraved these cute little bundles of joy can be. We heard a talk one time from Voddie Baucham that referenced our cute little ones as vipers in diapers. At first, I was taken back to think my little baby could be such a thing.
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For about two months, her little sin nature has really begun showing. She does not like to hear the word “no.” She screams if you don’t get to her quickly, or if you do not understand her. She is pickier when it comes to eating. I could not believe a baby so young could understand exactly what she was doing at such a young age. I don’t remember ever having to discipline my kids before they were twelve months old. And while I don’t approve of her behavior and we are working with her, I am amazed at how clear the sin nature is in babies.
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It is because of this sin nature from the get-go that we are to diligently teach our children the Word of God. We are to raise them in the fear and admonition of the Lord, and we are to disciple and discipline them according to His Word. And with strong-willed children, it may take longer, and it may be more work. But we have to be consistent. It will be more trying and tiring for us, but, Lord willing, results will come. Galatians 6:9 says, “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”
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We have had to discipline her, but she is doing better. She is still a mama’s girl and still seems to need extra attention right now, but she is learning to obey.