Sound Alike But Not!

We may love being around children and playing with them, but sometimes they can be trying as they test the boundaries. There can be great joy in watching children play as they are beginning to develop mentally, physically, socially, and of course spiritually. We can even learn much from the mouth of babes as they begin to make sense of life. Though growth is anticipated, there are qualities which need not be outgrown.

Between the cute and the challenging characteristics of children we begin to understand there is a huge difference between being "childlike" and being "childish". The words may sound similar, but those two designations are not synonymous. "Childlike" may refer to innocence, excited inquiry and investigation of life, and honesty in expressing what they feel or see. "Childishness" -- on the other hand -- may depict selfishness and unwillingness to grow up. Though there are "childlike" qualities to be retained when growing up ( Matthew 18:3-4), it is sad when we encounter those who fail to outgrow "childish" tendencies. These are the older in age who still throw temper tantrums or pout when they don't get their own way. These are the ones who like a spoiled child will gather up their "toys" and go home if life's game isn't going their way. They are those who fail to (or refuse to) learn from life's lessons. It is sad enough when such immaturity is seen in secular life, but when it touches the spiritual, it can place the soul in grave danger.

Paul had addressed the church at Corinth, not as spiritual, "but as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ." ( 1 Corinthians 3:1) Though they had been given spiritual gifts, they were not growing as they should have been and were therefore not ready for solid food, but still in need of milk like infants. ( 1 Corinthians 3:2) Therefore, in that letter Paul later urged. . .

"(13) Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, ACT LIKE MEN, be strong. (14) Let all that you do be done in love." ( 1 Corinthians 16:13 ESV)

"ACT LIKE MEN!" The Greek word here is "andrizesthe" (from "andrizomai"). Strong's Greek Lexicon defines it as "1. To make a man of or make brave. 2. To show one's self a man, be brave." In other words: be like men! Grow up! DON'T REMAIN INFANTS!

How do we act? Are we maturing as we ought; physically, emotionally, socially, and of course spiritually? Are we developing a spiritual appetite that handles the meat of the Word of God so as to be better enabled to serve God's purposes and the needs of others? May we retain the "childlike" quality of trusting the loving care and direction of the Heavenly Father as we continue to GROW UP in the Lord.

Have a great day BEING A GROWING CHILD OF GOD!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Christian Growth