What Was I Thinking?

“What was I thinking?” How often have we asked ourselves that question? How many times have we said or done the wrong thing and wondered why we had not given it further thought? What our thinking is based on needs to be given serious consideration because our thoughts (or lack of thought) can quickly get us into deep trouble.

Addressing the idea of maturing in knowledge, Paul stated…
“When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I THOUGHT like a child, I REASONED like a child. WHEN I BECAME A MAN, I GAVE UP CHILDISH WAYS.” ( 1 Corinthians 13:11 ESV)

Ever tried to reason with a two year old? The truly sad thing is when such marks the life of someone later in life. Perhaps that could be a description of some of the leaders who opposed Jesus regardless of the proof presented in relationship to His Messiahship. Though we expect childish things from children, we do expect them to eventually grow up. As children move toward adulthood, childish ways are to be given up. Paul was trying to encouraging the same growth in a spiritual sense among those at Corinth. ( 1 Corinthians 3:1-3) Growing up in the faith means our speaking, thinking, and reasoning should be MATURING.

Paul would later urge…
“Brothers, DO NOT BE CHILDREN IN YOUR THINKING. Be infants in evil, but IN YOUR THINKING BE MATURE.” ( 1 Corinthians 14:20 ESV)

Bear in mind when Paul addressed the idea of evil, he did not say to be childish, but rather be “infants” or childlike, which would seem to point to the innocence of a child. With regard to the thinking, however, they were to be MATURE.

As we consider what it is we are thinking, may we see it as becoming more and more that which is in line with “the mind of Christ.” ( 1 Corinthians 2:16) Growing up we become accountable for the choices we make. Therefore, let us strive to think as ones who are MATURING in Christ.

Have a great day GROWING UP IN THE LORD!
Carl

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