You learn to say the letters of the alphabet. You learn to recognize each one individually. You then learn to write each one, going on to put them together in two and three letter words. Next come sentences. You continue through life, and as you go you put together bigger words and discover new and deeper meanings for many of them.
Life is made up of experiences and opportunities built upon each other.
The latter blocks could not happen without those from our earlier years. Until the day we die, we are challenged to grasp the opportunity to learn new things and grow, to constantly become a better person and to share with those around us. Our Christian life is very much the same. First we learn of God and Jesus Christ. Then we make them a part of our lives through salvation.