Sometimes I hear parents say things about their children like, “I wish they’d stop growing,” or “I just want them to stay a baby.” We know they do not mean that literally. All parents desire to see their children grow up. We enjoy watching them mature and be able to take care of themselves. We love the day when they have matured enough to have their own children and repeat the process. It is such a blessing to see them mature, but when they fail to grow up properly it’s a heartache that no one but God can heal. Can you imagine how God’s heart aches when we fail to mature as His child?
I Corinthians 13:9-11 “For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. 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.”
Paul seeks to show us the importance of love by allowing us to see that the gifts of prophecy, tongues (languages), and knowledge, that God gave to the church were temporary. They were needed for the time. However, when perfection comes they will no longer be needed. Most see this day as the day when Christ returns. Paul shows us in Ephesians 4:11-16, that these gifts were to be used to bring the church from its infant stage to adulthood. The word in Ephesians 4:13 “mature” is the same Greek word for “perfection” in I Corinthians 13:10.
Ephesians 4:13-16 “Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth are no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.”
When we mature we will act differently, speak differently, and even think differently. Love will rule as we mature. The Corinthian church was going through a period where the leadership was acting out of pride and selfishness. They were acting like little kids that don’t get their way. In other words, they were throwing a fit! It may have exhibited itself as being childish, but the real problem was a lack of love. They were supposed to depend on Christ and seek maturity, not use their leadership position to get their way.
This was not written as a letter to the Corinthians for them alone. God preserved this letter and included it in his inspired word as an example to us. It is needed as much now as it was in Paul’s time. A good example is how we see churches springing up today because of a split in the church. Almost every town has two churches, that at one time were one church. If you delve into why they split, you will find the majority was not because of doctrinal issues, but personal preferences. This ought not to be in the Christian church. Love should rule.
So, how much do you love? Do you yield to the desires of others when it is not a decision of right and wrong? Do you seek to find out the desires of others before you speak your desires? Do you yield to others, but then speak criticism about the decision to others, all the while thinking your idea is better? How mature are you in your love for others? The best way to exhibit that you have a mature love for others is to think of others first. Examine your actions and attitudes, when they are right your love will show in a fashion that reveals a grown-up love!
