Nature and Nurture

 

The former is who we are

The latter is what we become,

Nature is the work in the womb

Nurture is when that is done.

 

But they have their influence

All through one’s life

Though regarding which is stronger

Is an argument that is rife.

 

Some say it’s the former

Others come down on the latter,

Some posit we don’t have a clue

But that’s a different matter.

 

“He just like he father”

A remark we hear quite often,

And this is usually from a mother

When de boy causing problems.

 

Of course, when he is good

His mother’s nurture is applied

But when he becomes problematic

He is his father’s child.

Nature is the hereditary

Nurture is the environmental

But whichever the stronger

Boys are often trouble.

 

Nature is everyone’s origin

While nurturing builds on this,

The good one must always practise

And the bad he must resist.

 

Each one of us is a summary

Of nature and nurture combined

And I certainly have no doubt

That this is God’s design.

 

We were all born in sin

Thus, having the Adamic nature

But when we became born again

It was a different picture.

 

In the born-again believer

The nature of Christ is implanted

Thus, the miracle of salvation

Is Divinely initiated.

The Spirit endues the believer

With the nature of the risen Christ

And the nurturing of the Word

Does adequately suffice.

 

To languish in the Adamic nature

Is a definite cop-out

But in the nurture of Holy Spirit

Is a triumphant shout.

 

Hallelujah, I have found him!

Sin’s nature is dethroned!

In life or death, whichever it be,

With Jesus I am at home!

 

Stewart Russell © November 6, 2021