What does "stop thinking like children" mean in 1 Corinthians 14:20? Context: Paul’s Concern for Spiritual Maturity Paul writes 1 Corinthians 12–14 to correct misuse of spiritual gifts. Verse 20 stands at the center of his plea for edifying, orderly worship. “Brothers, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be mature.” What “Stop Thinking Like Children” Means • “Thinking” (Greek phroneō) covers mindset, judgment, priorities. • “Children” (paidia) signals immaturity—captivated by the flashy, ignorant of consequences. • The present imperative + negative (“stop”) shows the Corinthians were already acting childishly by exalting showy tongues while neglecting understanding (vv. 1–19). Childlike vs. Childish • Childlike trust in God remains essential (Matthew 18:3–4). • Childish reasoning must be shed: – 1 Corinthians 13:11: speaking, thinking, and reasoning mature. – Ephesians 4:14: no longer infants tossed by every wind of teaching. • Maturity keeps believers anchored to truth, guarding the flock (Acts 20:28–31). “In Regard to Evil Be Infants” • Innocence toward sin protects purity. • Romans 16:19: “wise about what is good, but innocent about what is evil.” • Believers need no firsthand experience with wickedness to recognize and reject it. Marks of Mature Thinking • Love-driven motives (1 Corinthians 14:1). • Priority on edification (14:12, 26). • Discernment of spirits (1 John 4:1). • Order in worship, reflecting God’s peace (14:33, 40). • Scripture-shaped senses (Hebrews 5:14). How Mature Thinking Transforms Worship 1. Gifts evaluated by benefit, not spectacle. 2. Intelligible speech preferred, so the church learns (14:3–5). 3. Individual expression submitted to congregational order (14:31). 4. Clear gospel witness preserved for outsiders (14:24-25). Living It Out Today • Devote yourself to sound doctrine—daily Bible intake, faithful teaching (2 Timothy 2:15). • Screen trends, teachings, entertainment through the grid of holiness and edification. • Stay innocent: flee situations that normalize sin (1 Corinthians 6:18; 1 Peter 2:11). • Aim for gatherings marked by clarity, conviction, and peace, showing the mature mind of Christ (Philippians 2:5). Paul’s charge is clear and literal: grow up in your reasoning, remain newborns in evil, and let every act of worship reveal seasoned, Christlike maturity. |
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