We don’t have this option, but what if we could choose not to grow up? How long would it take for our parents to become fed up with that idea?
I couldn’t wait to grow up, but it was because I wanted freedom, not responsibility. I wanted to make my own decisions, and I thought that I would be content to live with whatever consequences they brought. Boy, was I ever wrong. I did eventually make my own decisions, and found out just how distasteful those consequences can be. I can’t say that I wanted to go back to living at home, and I’m sure that my parents would echo the same sentiment. They wanted me to grow up too, but they were more interested in responsibility, and as I grew to accept responsibility they became more relaxed and confident in me. Looking back, it was my self proclaimed desire to “enjoy life” that created our disagreement. They knew what I would soon discover: you can’t have the freedom without the responsibility.
What if I had simply chosen to “act like a child” even as I grew physically? What if I never took any responsibility for my actions, created difficult situations without regard for others, and put myself at the center of every decision? How long would it take for those around me to set me down and have a “heart to heart” talk?
There is an expected developmental path for Christians as well, and Peter outlines some of it here. It occurs to me that you cannot skip steps in your spiritual development, because each one builds on the others. So, if you think you can love others before you work on your patience….you are mistaken. If you think you can be godly before you have self-control…you are mistaken.
In Peter’s observation it goes like this: First is goodness or moral excellence, then knowledge, self-control, patient endurance, godliness. Godliness leads to brotherly affection, which grows into love for everyone.
Breaking that down a little, it seems to me that we won’t realize how deficient we are unless we first “try to be good”. It’s when I try to be morally excellent that I realize how immoral I really am. That leads me to study God’s Word. That’s where the solution is…in growing up in Christ. That growing process requires me to sit and study, listen and apply….all of which require self control. Yes, I would rather go and do something else, but I need to read…I need to pray. That patient endurance will pay off with….godliness. Hey, this isn’t rocket science here…you apply yourself and you will see results, it’s not my promise, it’s God’s promise.
Here’s the thing: many people have chosen not to grow up. They aren’t trying to become more like Christ. Maybe they realize they are morally deficient, but they seem to be okay with it. Their life doesn’t match their Gospel, but it doesn’t seem to bother them. Look down the road a little further, who will guide our country, our children through the next set of difficult times if we don’t grow up in Christ? Maybe it’s time for a little “heart to heart”.
Thinking aloud,
PR