Impressionable

I have hair like a brillo pad. It's true. To let it grow out would be embarrassing at best. So, I keep it cut short and always use gel. But, there is a catch. If I let my hair start to dry after I get out of the shower for any more than about 10 minutes...it's too late! At that point it is back to the same old stubborn mop it was before I loosened it up with some conditioner in the shower. It is a very small window of opportunity.
Same principle applies with new Christians. We have a very small window of opportunity to impress upon them sound doctrine, because if we don't, it is inevitable that they will be influenced by other myths and ridiculous ideologies and theologies. They are like play-do in the hands of a child, or clay in the hands of a potter. If not done anything with right away, they will harden up by the surrounding elements and shaping becomes difficult to impossible. Discipleship is crucial, and early discipleship is absolutely essential. Just a thought.