Growth and growing up.  Are they the same thing?  Are they interdependent?  The Lord’s calls us to both but are they truly separate segments of learning?  The Bible is clear on both.  First look at the concept of “growing up”, becoming an adult, maturing in to a “well rounded” person.  In 1Corinthians 13:11, the Lord uses Paul to remind us of these necessary changes, “When I was a child, I talked as a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child.  I when I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.”

What could be so attractive to me about being childish, perhaps the lack of accountability, that it would continually drive me to deliberate and unconscious actions associated with the behaviors of a child?  Is there some endemic safety in reactionary behavior or shedding responsibility which makes it a desirable place to reside in time of trouble.  Frequently I hear the naivete defense used to exculpate responsible parties from the consequences.  The “I don’t know” or “didn’t know” excuse is so commonly used that it has become laughably the first expected response whether chief executive or child.  It must work and that is why they keep using it.  I wish that weren’t the truth, but my hoping that is the case does not make it so.

Thinking as a child when one is an adult is extremely dangerous practice.  Typically excuses significantly amplify or magnify the ramifications of wrong doing.  Ordinary behavior in the mainstream is blame, deny, obfuscate and deflect.  Very rarely are we counseled to just tell the truth anymore, we are now counseled to do anything but.  Perhaps they are removing Bibles from the swearing in process because no one could possibly be expected to make an oath for which they have no intention of complying.  This is the price of immaturity.  That is intensified in Christianity, because for someone to develop a mature faith they must first and foremost accept, adopt/practice truth and personal accountability.  It is impossible for a Christian to lie when they know that God sees all that they do or have done.  It is also impossible for Christians to shirk accountability as the Bible distinctly defines the responsibility for each Christian when infractions occur.

Utilizing childish techniques or escapism or prevarication are unacceptable for Christians.  This is a practice meant for the world of men and friendship with the world is enmity with God.  We cannot hope to mimic worldly practices and expect to achieve any freedom, acquittal or fellowship with God.  Being honest even in the face of personal loss or recrimination is admirable in Christianity.  We should not be tied to the circumstances but to how God will view and judge each or our thoughts, words and actions.  Growing up and growing are both necessary to mature faith in Christ Jesus.  We must first grow up and realize we need Him before we can grow in faith that He will deliver us from all unrighteousness.