No Longer a Child

I realized recently that a scripture passage I have been reading has been taken out of context (at least by me) for as long as I can remember.  In verse 13 of this chapter it reads, “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.”  Seems pretty simple – this passage is telling me to cease being a child, to take on adult responsibilities, to endure difficulties with a stiff upper lip.  But look at what chapter this is in – the love chapter, I Corinthians 13.  Just before this verse, Paul speaks of understanding very little in this life, and that it is not until we enter the Kingdom of Heaven after this life is over that we understand fully.  Further, this verse about growing up is followed by a description of seeing everything unclearly (“as through a mirror dimly” or “with a poor reflection”) and in part, but when that which is perfect comes (the reign of Christ) we will see clearly and fully.  This verse about growing up is telling us not to “pull ourselves up by our bootstraps” or “grow-up and behave”, it is saying that there is no way you can grow up in this life and understand clearly.  It is saying that no matter how hard you try, you will not understand yourself, others, or the Word of God/God Himself fully in this life.  This is why love is so vital and enduring.  It is so necessary that love drives our efforts as we fumble around trying to understand our Savior and each other until we “become adults” in our new life with Him.

Chad-CPM Ministry

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