“And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.” (Matt. 18:3)
“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.” (1st Cor. 13:11)
Which one is it then, childish or childlike?
I personally believe that every wicked person on this planet behaves in a childish manner, for the Almighty’s eternal power and godhead is clearly known by them, yet they attempt to usurp His power by maintaining a life of pride, of self-centeredness and self-gratification. Exhibiting a childish attitude in the presence of the King is not a wise thing to do my friends, not only is it self-demeaning, but it is not an action desired by the King.
Those who have not put away childish things are the epitome of immaturity, some by design, others in hope of recognition, seeking sympathy for their own self-imposed insecurities.
Did you notice how often that word “self” was interjected into those statements? It was necessary, and truthful, for if there is a singular item that is needed by the childish, no matter their age, it is recognition from others.
“Look at me!” is not the same as “Look at Christ!”
To put away childish things is to deny oneself the pleasure of the desires of responsibilities, we do not think, act or speak any longer without the knowledge that our actions, words and deeds have consequences, either beneficial or detrimental to ourselves. But beyond that, self interest is cast away from us, for though we are the children of the Most High if we have been born again, we are not to behave ourselves as children any longer.
“Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.” (1st Cor. 16:13)
Many who profess to serve the Lord Jesus Christ desire to remain in the milk of the Word for the entirety of their lives, it removes in their minds any form of responsibility towards His will above that which all who have been hid in Christ are to be. Fear of being singled out, of being ostracized from family, friends, acquaintances and society as a whole keeps them childish, and that by their own design.
Maturity requires the acceptance of responsibilities, and one can do this while accepting the will of the Living God in their lives while remaining childlike. It requires nothing more than trusting your life to His will.
Childish is being immature, childlike is maturity.
Fear is in the heart of the childish person, those who are childlike know no fear when it comes to the will of our Father in heaven for us.
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” (Jer. 29:11)
We enter heaven as children, as those who do not question His love for us, who do not fear His plans for us, as those who have devoted our entire lives to Him because He who has promised is faithful.
It has always intrigued me that Almighty God, the Sovereign ruler, Creator and Sustainer of all reality decided to use the word “Father” in His relationship towards us, and that we are considered to be His children. It implies a closeness that is incomparable, and that many in the world have sadly cast aside as of little value.
No man of God behaves himself in a childish manner, those days are past. But everyone who has been born again is childlike in their trust in our Father in heaven.