Adults are boring. Don’t get me wrong, I’m technically an adult and know there are many things that must be done in life that require the maturity level of an adult.
The Problem With Childishness
Have you ever know a couple of adults who just were not getting along due to some petty issue? One person said or did something, often without thinking or even realizing they had offended the other. As a result there is anger, miscommunication and lack of forgiveness. People will ignore each other, try to avoid spending time together or when required to spend time together it will be terribly uncomfortable. This is childishness and it is hurtful and without merit. Childishness is rooted in selfishness. If you are a Christian then selfishness needs to be rooted out by spending time in the Presence of God. In this Christmas season don’t let time with family that you see infrequently be a time of hurt and discomfort, let it be fill with love and joy!
The Beauty of Childlikeness
I’m not sure that is is a word. Childlikeness I mean. But I’m using it. It’s a powerful image. Childlikeness means living in wonder and awe and silliness like a child. Enjoying the discovery of new things, having fun and just being playful. I love my wife at all times and for many things but I get a special pleasure when she is childlike. In every woman there is a 12 year old girl. She is silly, cute and a little mischevious. Being around that little girl is just fun. So. Much Fun! Inside every man is an 8 year old boy. Goofy, funny and ready to try anything…as long as he has a cape!
The Balance
In 1 Corinthians 13:11 Paul writes:
“When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways.” (emphasis added).
Childishness holds us back in relationships. Childishness is immature and always selfish.
In Matthew 18:3-5 we see the words of Jesus:
“And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.“
We are called to be childlike! Being childlike means we have implicit trust that God will take care of us. We believe He is in control and know He has our best interests at heart. Being childlike means we treat others as a child treats them (“whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me“). NOT as a hurtful and clique obsessed teen, but as a child who accepts everyone. Let the people who are different and unlike you into your circle. Be goofy and silly with your friends. Have fun and expect the best. Be childlike and not childish.
Wrapping It Up
If you are a wife your husband most likely loves it when the little girl in you appears! If you are a husband sometimes you need to be a little boy. Let your adulthood fall away and just have fun together. Show love and acceptance, sweetness and joy, and just be open to new experiences and events.
Most of us love a silly, funny and caring child. There are few things more precious than the sincere hug of a child. Avoid childishness in all forms, but be childlike in how you enjoy, love and trust others.
Love you all!
Merry Christmas!
-Troy
