What does "put aside childish ways" mean for personal spiritual growth? Verse in Focus “When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I set aside childish ways.” Scripture is clear and trustworthy; every word guides growth when taken at face value. Immediate Setting of the Verse • The surrounding chapter elevates love as the supreme Christian virtue. • Paul contrasts childish talk, thought, and reasoning with mature, love-filled conduct. • The call to lay aside immaturity is inseparable from the call to practice Christ-like love. What Scripture Calls “Childish Ways” • Self-centered speech: impulsive words, complaints, and careless promises (Proverbs 10:19). • Shallow thinking: easily swayed opinions, short attention to eternal truth (Ephesians 4:14). • Undeveloped reasoning: reacting by feelings rather than by Spirit-guided conviction (Hebrews 5:13). • Dependence on others for every spiritual need instead of personal engagement with God’s Word (1 Peter 2:2). • Pursuit of gifts or experiences without the anchor of love (1 Corinthians 13:1-3). Marks of Spiritual Maturity Scripture Commends • Love that reflects Christ—patient, kind, humble, and enduring (1 Corinthians 13:4-7). • Steadfast grasp of doctrine, no longer “tossed about by every wind of teaching” (Ephesians 4:14-15). • Discernment trained “to distinguish good from evil” through constant practice (Hebrews 5:14). • Growth in grace and knowledge, evidenced by increasing obedience (2 Peter 3:18). • Willingness to yield personal rights for the good of others (Romans 15:1-3). Why Putting Aside Childish Ways Matters • Displays the glory of Christ to the watching world (Philippians 2:15). • Protects the church from division fueled by petty preferences (1 Corinthians 3:1-3). • Equips believers for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17). • Prepares hearts for the day “when the perfect comes” and faith becomes sight (1 Corinthians 13:10). Practical Steps Toward Maturity 1. Daily surrender of self-focus in favor of Spirit-led love. 2. Consistent Scripture intake—reading, meditating, obeying. 3. Active participation in the local church: serving, submitting, encouraging. 4. Seeking counsel from mature believers and welcoming correction. 5. Training the mind to filter every thought through biblical truth (2 Corinthians 10:5). 6. Exercising gifts for the edification of others, not for personal recognition (1 Peter 4:10). 7. Persevering in trials, letting endurance finish its work (James 1:2-4). Scripture Connections That Reinforce the Call • 1 Corinthians 14:20 — “Brothers, stop thinking like children… be mature.” • Colossians 1:28 — Paul labors to present “everyone perfect in Christ.” • Philippians 3:15 — “All of us who are mature” are to hold the same mindset. • Galatians 4:1-7 — Sons, not slaves, are meant to grow into full inheritance. Living the Lesson Today • Choose words that build up. • Invest thought life in eternal realities. • Weigh decisions by God’s revealed will, not fleeting emotion. • Pursue love as the highest goal, for love never fails. |
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