The expression, "He will have to stand on his own two feet" is one that has been around for a long time. While the exact words are not found in the Bible, the thought can be found in the words of Paul in Galatians 6:5, "For each man shall bear his own burden." In short, there are some things that others cannot do for us. We have often watched a small child making every effort to take the first few steps in the process of learning how to walk. Then, there is the young man who has taken to himself a new bride with all the responsibilities. Also, an inexperienced person is placed in a position for the first time that demands making decisions constantly. We can help the child keep his balance, give advice to the newly wed and render assistance to the person having to make so many important decisions. But, there comes a time when each person will have to stand on his own two feet.
In Christianity, the principle is certainly true as Paul stated in Galatians 6:2, "Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." When a brother’s load becomes too heavy for him to carry, we are to lend a helping hand. Young Christians need special attention as they "grow in the grace and knowledge " of Christ (I Peter 2:2; II Peter 3:18). Also, "we that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak…" (Romans 15:1). However, there comes a time when each Christian will have to stand on his own two feet. Faith in God and Christ must become strong enough in one’s heart that he will be able to do this very thing. If a person does not grow spiritually, he will never be of worth to the cause of the Lord. There is a time to assist a brother and there is a time for one to learn to stand without the assistance from others.
I remember an elder of a congregation suggesting to me that certain weak members should be visited each Saturday in order to encourage them to be present for worship on the following Sunday. It is right and scriptural "to provoke unto love and good works" (Hebrews 10:24) but to stunt another’s spiritual growth by preventing him to act on his own faith is not what the Bible teaches in this matter. Another case in point relates to a brother with whom I had visited and encouraged so diligently for some five years. But this brother was no stronger after that period of time than he was at the beginning. Finally, I mentioned to him that I was not coming around anymore, not because I loved him less, but that my visits were not doing any good. The brother remains unfaithful to the Lord to this day.
Brethren, we are only fooling ourselves when we feel that we must pet and pamper members in order to get them to attend the periods of Bible study and worship. If a weak brother’s presence for these assemblies is decided by the preacher’s visits, there is not a true foundation of faith existing in his heart. Such a brother will remain as an infant, unable to walk and develop his strength and will never be able to stand on his own two feet.