When I Was Child 
by Mike Rule

I went to sleep a few nights ago pondering how we believe that obedience and duty is the epitome of Christian maturity. I awoke the next morning with one verse of scripture on my mind. "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." (1 Corinthians 13:11) As I pondered this verse the Lord led me to reflect on the relationship I have with my own parents. I was overwhelmed at how many similarities there are to my relationship with Him.

When I was a child I was controlled by rules and "laws" which were established to train me and teach me the way I should go. If I violated the rules, I was chastised to bring about a change in my heart. This reminds me of God's law, which was put in charge to lead us to Christ. (See Galatians 3:19-25) As I grew and matured the rules and regulations began to fall away in our home while the relationship with my parents began to take on a new dynamic. This was a "weaning" process of vacillating between my own way and their way that took years to work out. During this time the rules were still in place, but they began to take a back seat to the influence of our relationship.

Years have since passed and much has happened in my life. The relationship with my parents has grown tremendously and we do not talk about rules anymore. The things that were once done out of duty have fallen away are now a natural result of love and devotion. The relationship we share is the result of years of intimacy; everything that used to be a "have to" has become a "want to." Because of Christ, we have a common nature and foundation that gives us unity of spirit and purpose. So it is as we mature in our relationship with God. "Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage (the law). (Galatians 5:1)

The next time you are reflecting on duty and obedience in your relationship with God, remember that this is not the ultimate goal of our Christian lives. Do not be deceived into striving for immaturity but be reminded that, "When you were a child, you spoke as a child, you understood as a child, you thought as a child; but when you became a man, you put away childish things." (1 Corinthians 13:11) This is God's goal for us: "to know Him, the one true God, and Jesus Christ whom He has sent." (John 17:3)