Growing up Healthy

I was remembering that Jesus taught that unless we become like little children we will not see the kingdom of God. The Apostle Paul said, "When I was a child, my speech, feelings, and thinking were all those of a child; now that I am an adult, I have no more use for childish ways." So I began pondering the difference between child-like and childish.

To me, child-like holds a connotation to pure, simple, trusting, healthy, whole, safe, ever wondering, ever learning, in awe, protected, inquisitive, relational, and growing. But, childish conjures images of temper tantrums, selfishness, anger, envy, it's all about me, immature, inappropriate, and unhealthy.

I see there are two ways in which we can live for and represent Jesus to those around us - childish or child-like. And everyday each one of us determines which way that flows. We have that same choice to make everyday over and over, every conversation, every disappointment, every phone call, every time we're faced with uncertainty, every time we're cut off on the freeway, every time we're feeling overwhelmed, every time we get it right and every time we get it wrong. I believe the key is to realize we have no more use for childish ways as we intentionally set our life toward growth and maturity in relationship to Christ Himself and His purposes for our lives. But growth and maturity doesn't come easy. There are a lot of life's lessons to be learned out there.

I don't believe we can grow our spiritual lives in a healthy, child-like manner if we are banking on the 'things we do' to get us closer to God. Things like going to church, doing good deeds, holding on to traditions, or our family's heritage. Healthy growth, whether you're a child in a family or a follower of Jesus, comes from whose we are and how we are provided for and the opportunities that are set before us to stimulate and challenge us mentally, physically, and spiritually.

So at Branches Church, we will intentionally set our activities and relationships toward healthy growth. Not from the things we do or how nice we can be, but in realizing who we belong to and that He is for us..." I am sure that God, who began this work in you, will carry it on until it is finished..." - Philippians 1:6. That sounds like maturity to me; where God does the growing in me. I know I can't get over the 'childishness' sometimes and need His guidance and reassurance that I'm on track. His grace and love are sufficient!

Mike