S) "11 When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child, reason like a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things."
1 Corinthians 13:11 (NASB)
O) I'm all for fun and games. I firmly believe that, inside every man is a 10 year old boy; however, when it comes to spiritual things, eternal things, a maturing must take place. Notice the three things Paul points out: speaking, thinking, and reasoning. Changing any of those things can be difficult; this maturing is not automatic. Paul says he "did away" with those immature aspects.
A) There is a ton of Scripture about our speech. What we say is the single most difficult self-control issue that there is (see James 3) - need to be very careful about the words I speak. Crude talk, hostile words, initiating arguments, etc., all of these things plagued me in my younger days. It sounds cliche, but it's all about thinking before speaking. It's a slow and ongoing process.
Changing my thinking is much more deliberate. It's less about impulse control and more about... planning, really. I have to choose to take the time to think about God, consider spiritual implications, and really put my mind where it needs to be each day, throughout the day (see Philippians 4:8).
Reasoning is the most naturally progressive of the three maturities. Reasoning is like a muscle; the more I use it, the stronger it gets... but I still have to use it. I should be careful of paralysis by analysis, but I should also take the time to consider the "why" and the "how" of things. Everything from reconciling dinosaurs and Noah's ark, to fully understanding God's forgiveness (see Isaiah 1:18). I won't always work out the answers, but it's about the process, seeking God's wisdom, His answers.
I have to Man Up.
P) Father, even my very ability to mature is by Your design. Thank You for investing in me, God. I never want to become complacent or content in my maturity. Holy Spirit, continue to work in me and edify me. I want to be the man You want me to be, God. I want to be the son, husband, father, brother, and man You created me to be. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
A) There is a ton of Scripture about our speech. What we say is the single most difficult self-control issue that there is (see James 3) - need to be very careful about the words I speak. Crude talk, hostile words, initiating arguments, etc., all of these things plagued me in my younger days. It sounds cliche, but it's all about thinking before speaking. It's a slow and ongoing process.
Changing my thinking is much more deliberate. It's less about impulse control and more about... planning, really. I have to choose to take the time to think about God, consider spiritual implications, and really put my mind where it needs to be each day, throughout the day (see Philippians 4:8).
Reasoning is the most naturally progressive of the three maturities. Reasoning is like a muscle; the more I use it, the stronger it gets... but I still have to use it. I should be careful of paralysis by analysis, but I should also take the time to consider the "why" and the "how" of things. Everything from reconciling dinosaurs and Noah's ark, to fully understanding God's forgiveness (see Isaiah 1:18). I won't always work out the answers, but it's about the process, seeking God's wisdom, His answers.
I have to Man Up.
P) Father, even my very ability to mature is by Your design. Thank You for investing in me, God. I never want to become complacent or content in my maturity. Holy Spirit, continue to work in me and edify me. I want to be the man You want me to be, God. I want to be the son, husband, father, brother, and man You created me to be. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
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