Back in the year 2000, in the Disney movie, “The Kid,” two grown-ups have a conversation about growing up. One of them, Amy, says, “Well, we can’t go around anymore talking about what we’re going to be like when we grow up. We are up.” Basically, she’s saying – it’s time to live grown up.

So, let’s explore what it means to live grown up.

Let’s Tear Into – Live Grown Up

The world is full of adults trying to hurry kids to grow up. As a result, there are lots of kids pushing into adulthood before their time. Simultaneously, the world is full of adult people who “are up.” But some of them don’t live grown up.

God wants every child to enjoy growing up. Equally, He wants every adult to live grown up while preserving the “child heart” He gave them when they were born. Further, God wants grown-ups to develop and engage skills that help them thrive in this challenging world.

There are always four categories we explore in Scripture dissection:

1. What Does It Say?
2. What Does It Mean?
3. Make It Personal.
4. Make A Commitment.

 

1. What Does It Say?

In this material, we’ll look at three exceptional verses that quite literally change how you think about how to live grown up.

1. “When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me.” (1 Cor. 13:11)
2. “And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” (Lk. 2:52)
3. “. . . unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Mt. 18:3)

 

That’s what those verses say. 

2. What Does It Mean?

I’m sure you’ve held an infant, completely helpless, in your arms. Little ones depend utterly on you to protect, nourish, and cherish them. Their infant behaviors prove a complete focus on themselves. At the same time, their behaviors prove their complete dependency on you for survival.

Now, picture an older child, teen, or adult acting like an infant. It’s ridiculous, even embarrassing. They should be actively engaged, managing their life with increasing effectiveness. Additionally, they should have mature skills that focus on others, not themselves, alone. Matter of fact, their behaviors should prove they are committed to “give back” and help their community, country, and world.

 

So, What Do Our Verses Mean?

1. “When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me.” (1 Cor. 13:11) Apparently, every child thinks less maturely until they grow up. Still, the goal is to grow up. This means talking, thinking, reasoning, and acting in mature, adult patterns. Actually, it means being like Jesus. Further, it means putting childish ways behind. Growing up includes deliberate choices.
2. “And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” (Lk. 2:52) Interestingly, even Jesus had to go through the process of growing up. More amazingly – He grew up without ever sinning! Still, He experienced the awkwardness, challenge, and process involved in growing into adulthood. In other words, He chose pro-active, healthy practices that involved mind, body, heart, spirit, and relationships. In this way, He had favor with God and mankind.
3. “. . . unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of Heaven.” (Mt. 18:3) The clue to live grown up in this verse is to humbly be like little kids. Not necessarily in maturity and experience. Rather, in humility, receptivity, trust, obedience, and JOY! So – quit being fearful, proud, self-conscious, and anxious. Just be you. Live grown up!

 

This is what those verses mean. 

3. Make It Personal – Live Grown Up

Surely, you remember thinking like a kid. Sometimes, that’s endearing to remember. Other times, it’s embarrassing.

God wants you to grow up in spiritual matters, too. He gives you everything needed for life and godliness. (2 Pet.1:3) As you pursue relationship with Him, Jesus promises what no one else can.

• First, He gives you the heads-up that you will have troubles in the world. (Jn. 16:33)
• Next, He gives the good news that He has overcome the world. (Jn. 16:33)
• Additionally, He promises everything you need for daily life. (2 Pet.1: 3)

 

Jesus loves you deeply. There’s not a moment He’s not already actively engaged on your behalf to accomplish God’s purpose for your life.

Indeed, this is all about HIS-story. Remarkably, He invites you into His amazing story to write your chapter. You add so much to His-story! Do this by –

1. Paying attention to His warnings and commands.
2. Plus, live in His power that has overcome the world.
3. And claim His promises and provisions.

 

Unfortunately, too many grown up people make everything about themselves. They don’t believe God, nor consistently practice His ways. Being riveted on themselves incapacitates them. Functioning as infants, they haven’t grown up to really know Jesus and what He is capable of doing in and through them. If they did, their lives would be different.

How To Live Grown Up

Have you noticed people continually look at other people? Then, at themselves.

Conversely, God tells you – “Fix your thoughts/eyes on Jesus . . . ”  (Heb. 3:1)

In conclusion, when you focus on Jesus, God actively –

• Nurtures your maturation and growth.
• Helps you enjoy a healthy diet of solid, spiritual food.
• Prepares you for the challenges of life.
• Teaches you through His Spirit that lives inside you.
• Provides others to help you mature. This may be through accountability.

 

How Others Help

The first “other” person that helps you grow is Jesus, Himself. Afterall, God wants to be your main teacher. He is so invested in your daily life. Subsequently, He is your “personal trainer.”

The second “others” that help you grow could be any individual or group God has placed in your life.

• Some believers plant seeds in your life.
• Others help you grow strong character.
• Still others help poke in your soil and assist in pulling weeds (not always fun).
• There will be faithful ones to water and fertilize.
• Some stretch you up to full stature so you can be strong enough to bear fruit.
• Encouragingly, some rejoice with you as you produce a bountiful harvest.

 

CONCLUSION: No matter who and how many “others” nurture you to live grown up – the plan is always for you to become increasingly like Christ. Interestingly, the goal is to share the process of your life with the Lord. Actually, He is the start, middle, and end of all your growing up into His character.

What Things Slow Your Growth?

There are many scenarios that slow your growth into maturity. Here are some:

• Insecurities.
• Fear.
• Jealousy.
• Quarreling.
• Personal agendas.
• Pride.
• Clinging to people and yourself instead of to Jesus.

 

Regardless, Jesus is right beside you to help. Subsequently, your only risk is letting go of familiar, unhealthy patterns in order to live grown-up in Christ. This may seem scary at first. However, it’s the best decision you can make to live grown up.

Afterall, Jesus is an extremely good risk.

• He will help you develop your faith.
• Plus, He reminds you to get into Scripture for a healthy diet of spiritual food.
• Equally, He strengthens you to work hard to produce a harvest of godly character.
• Jesus trains you how to rejoice in His salvation – in every single scenario you live through.
• Finally, He wants you to pass this “healthy-growing-up process” to others. Family, friends, co-workers, even strangers.

 

God wants all His children to turn to Jesus. Equally, God wants all His children to live grown up. And this is how you make these verses personal.

4. Make A Commitment – Application Thoughts And Questions

Your best way to make a commitment is to worship God with all your heart. That begins with loving Him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. Further, pursue relationship daily with Him with eager expectation. Also, thank Him. Plus, let yourself enjoy His love.

So, here are some good questions to ask yourself.

1. What are you doing each day to live grown up?
2. Which things are slowing your growth in Christ? What will you do about this?
3. What changes will you make to develop daily patterns of living in God’s love?
4. In what area(s) do you need to work harder to respond to God’s training in your growth?
5. Do you love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength?
6. Do you enjoy God’s love for you?
7. Are you pointing others to Jesus with a credible life?

 

* Portions of this content come from our book – e-Pistles For An i-Generation: Relevant In A Digital Age – a devotional book that takes you through 1 and 2 Corinthians. You’ll find practical action points that help you know God better and nurture personal growth. You can find this book in our bookstore: www.aliveandactivelife.org/store.

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