Hey everyone, let's talk about growing up in Christ! You know that verse in 1 Corinthians 13:11? "When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things."
Now, some folks use this verse to say men should be men and women should be women. But hold on a sec, let's dig a little deeper. This verse is actually a fantastic reminder for all of us on our Christian journey.
Think about it like this: Imagine being a little kid. You get yummy milk in a sippy cup, right? Easy, familiar, gets the job done. But as you grow up, your taste buds change. You want more! Steak, mashed potatoes, the whole deal.
Following Christ is kinda similar. At first, things seem simple. You learn the basics, it all makes sense. But as you spend more time with God, your understanding deepens. It's like graduating from milk to a spiritual feast!
Here's the funny thing, though: sometimes we get stuck in that "sippy cup" stage. We cling to those basic interpretations of scripture, even though God wants us to explore the whole buffet. It's okay, it happens!
Remember, growing up in Christ is an ongoing process. It's like climbing a mountain – you never truly reach the peak, but the view keeps getting better!
Speaking of climbing, I used to be in the military, and we had this saying: "Once you get to a certain position, you have to train your replacement." It's all about passing on your knowledge and experience.
That's exactly what God wants from us! In Genesis 1:28, He tells us to be fruitful and multiply, replenish the earth, and all that good stuff. This includes helping our fellow Christians grow in their faith too.
Think about it: wouldn't it be awesome to be a living example of God's grace and mercy? We can share our own journeys, the lessons we've learned, the "aha!" moments we've had with scripture.
Let's be honest, sometimes the Bible can be tricky. But by sharing our experiences and different perspectives, we can all keep growing and evolving together. It's like a giant, supportive Christian family, learning and growing stronger each day.
So, the next time you hear that verse about putting away childish things, remember: it's not about being a grown-up in the traditional sense. It's about embracing new levels of understanding, deepening your relationship with God, and helping your fellow believers do the same. Now that's a recipe for a truly blessed life!
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