When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
What I love about this scripture is when Paul says, “I put away childish things…” Meaning, he made the decision to stop speaking, reasoning and thinking like a child.
I could even imagine him having conversations with himself on certain occasions; maybe in the middle of a hard workday. He would want to leave but he would say to himself.. “Paul, you are not a child, you have to finish your work.”
Have you ever had these conversations with yourself concerning spiritual things? Maybe on a Sunday morning when you’ve had a long week. You’re contemplating staying home from church…”participating online” But you talk to yourself… Chevaunne, you are a leader, you must be in church. What about in your prayer life? You don’t “feel” like praying… but you talk to yourself… Chevaunne, you better pray now or you will suffer the consequences by yourself.
These are some of the things we do as the matured men and women of God. It’s not a matter of convenience or I feel like it. It’s a matter of it must be done and God can depend on me to do the needful.
But have you considered the other side of this scripture. You can also switch up the words to say, “When I was in the world, I spoke like the world, I understood like the world and I thought like the world but when I became born again I put away worldly things.
There is so much to unpack in this simple verse. What are your thoughts… Whether they’re childish, worldly, manly, or spiritual… I would love to hear what you think.
Post your thoughts in the comments below.
