1 Corinthians 13:11 English Standard Version (ESV) 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.

The older I get I begin to understand that this passage is related to my new creation in Christ. I had always thought of this as being me in the flesh but I came to the realization that being born again, I became a babe in Christ, no matter what the age.

Maturing in Christ takes on a different aspect of maturity because there is no set boundaries as in the flesh. Bar-mitzvah’d at 13 isn’t part of the Christian maturing process. Age has nothing to do with maturing in Christ. One can be 101 and be a babe in Christ. It is possible that a person in their 20’s is fully matured. The only question left is, what does fully matured look like?

The opening passage indicated speech changes, thinking changes, and reasoning changes.  While those terms are accurate in context, the specifics of change remain vague. Does refraining from vulgar speech mean maturity? One can still be unkind even without cursing. One can be kind without being loving.

Since this passage comes right after the descriptive nature of agape love, is maturity reached when we love as God loves? That is a tall order to fill. It requires our hearts to be right even before our actions can meet any of those characteristics. Failing that, does that mean we have failed to mature?

Part of verse 12 says; “Now I know in part”. We will never know for sure in this lifetime if we have reached a level of maturity which is comparable to our finished product. “Then I shall know fully” is the next line.

Perhaps 1 Corinthians 13:11 is an encouragement to keep striving, as he says, to run the good race. I know I am not there yet, but I haven’t given up hope.

Proverbs 16:16 English Standard Version (ESV) How much better to get wisdom than gold! To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.

If you had to choose between wisdom and understanding, which would you chose?

Gold trumps silver so choose wisdom.

What is wisdom without understanding? That sounds a little like blind obedience. Luckily for us it is not an either or situation. Wisdom should temper understanding. We are not to gain knowledge without consideration of consequences. That practice got us kicked out of Eden. That is a good lesson.

Yesterday needy was in reference to relationship. We have everything we need to have this relationship with our creator. While that is the most import aspect of life, it is not the only aspect of living this life with others. Wisdom in relationship with others will allow us to escape unpleasant consequences.

Can we find the words to help others that will not be received as offensive or intrusive? Wisdom says get to know your neighbors before giving them advice. Open relationships can lead to open dialogue which can lead to understanding which will allow wisdom room to work.

Now comes the difficult part. What is our motivation is these relationships? Over the years I have seen relationships fade into nothing because there was no clear understanding on my part for my motivation in that relationship. Even within the body of Christ there will be a defining moment when the motivations behind those relationships is revealed. Do not be surprised if upon that discovery the other might think, “I don’t need that.”

If we are to grow in Christ according to His will a certain amount of grace must accompany each relationship. We may grow apart because we do not all grow in Christ at the same rate. We are not responsible for another’s relationship with Christ. It is possible to grow out of certain relationships.

That does not mean we stop loving them. Wisdom takes over.