Put it 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. (Corinthians 13:11)

God requires that my innocence give way to the spiritual maturity that comes through the wisdom and holiness found only in Jesus. My spiritual growth is shown in putting away childish speech and thinking, so that I might come to God as a man, not a boy. Putting away childish things means turning from my self-centered ways, so that I can look up and see Jesus. I must step out of the crib, take off the diaper, puts away the toys, come out from under the apron-strings, forsake all, and follows Jesus. My manhood is not found in what I possess or gain, but what I put away. That is the hard work I am called to do -- to put it away!

Make room for God today. Present yourself a living sacrifice, one who is willing to lose what you have in order to gain what God has for you. He desires to fill you, but you must first be empty. God will only lift up the life you lay down. May the Holy Spirit show you the relationships, activities, attitudes, and mindsets you need to put away. Your spiritual adulthood awaits.

Let’s Pray- Father, empty me, so that I might be filled with You. I lay aside all my ambitions, my hopes, my dreams, everything. Holy Spirit, come and rule in my heart. I want to grow up! Amen.