Paul in speaking of the infancy of the church of Christ before final and complete revelation was given spoke these words, "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). We draw from this to teach another lesson besides the one Paul was teaching in the context of this verse. Our lesson is about some things common to children that we should "put away," and some things about little children that we should "put into practice."

 "Then were there brought unto Him little children, that He should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them.  But Jesus said, suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto Me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.  And He laid His hands on them, and departed thence." (Matthew 19:13-15).

 On another occasion we read. "At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?  And Jesus called a little child unto Him, and set him in the midst of them, And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye become converted, and become as little children, ye shall in no wise enter into the kingdom of heaven.  Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 18:1-4).  One cannot read the Bible without being impressed with the lessons one can learn from little children.

 Today, we often see grown people acting like the things little children do that aren't so good. These are the traits one should "put away." Study these and see how well you are doing as regards your maturity in Christ.

 Paul wrote to Timothy about young women who should not be put on the permanent roll for congregational financial support because they would "..learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not." We all remember the old saying "idle hands or minds are the devil's workshop." That's so true. If we would busy ourselves more in the pursuit of excellence in service to Christ and to our fellow man, we would not have the idle time to think about mischief. He wrote to the Thessalonians that they should not fellowship one who would not work and who was guilty of being a busybody (2 Thessalonians 3:6, 11, 14-15). Add to this what Peter said. "But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters" (1 Peter 4:15). Among seven things which God is said to hate, is "a sower of discord among brethren" (Proverbs 6:16-19). The proverbs are filled with admonition for folks not to be tattlers or gossips among the people of God. Such separates old friends and is the thing from which much strife and contention comes to the disruption of the peace which is to exist among the people of the Lord (1 Corinthians 1:10; Philippians 1:27; 2:14-16).

 Wanting attention and recognition is why children often misbehave. They want their parents especially to notice them and give them attention, It matters not if it ends up corporal punishment, they crave attention and recognition. Some Christians never outgrow this "need." Sometimes even preachers of the gospel are among the worst offenders. Some "issues" among the Lord's people arise due to men desiring to "make a name" for themselves. They desire to be somewhat in the brotherhood and so create attention by some outlandish doctrinal position which gains brotherhood wide attention. Some preacher fusses which have taken place should never have happened. There are issues which must be met head on of course and not every issue arising should be characterized a "preacher fuss." Some brethren said that about the sponsoring eldership, the Herald of Truth radio and TV program and the benevolent societies along with the social gospel craze. They were wrong, those were efforts to restructure the organization and mission of the Lord's church. Those who opposed such were not the "church splitters" as we were sometimes accused. No, it is the one who introduces the unauthorized practice who is guilty of disrupting the peace and harmony of the Lord's people, not those who oppose such (2 John 9- 10; Ephesians 5:11; 2 Corinthians 6:14-18).

 We should humble ourselves and seek to fit in where we are needed and do our work without lots of fanfare and desire for recognition. "Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time:" (1 Peter 5:6). "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He shall lift you up" (James 4:10). Christians are to be servants. Servants of Christ and yes, even servants of one another (Galatians 5:13; Romans 1:1). Paul constantly looked at himself as a "bond servant" of Christ. So should we.
 

 One child often desires what the other one possesses. You've seen it many times. They also want badly what they can't have. This sometimes leads to stealing or if they can't have it, they may break it so the other child can't have it. Have you ever been guilty of acting in this way? Adults are often envious of another's success not only in leadership roles in the local church and the attendant recognition this brings until they can hardly stand the one receiving the accolades from others. I have witnessed this among preachers as well as other Christians. Some folks are envious of everything the preacher and his family achieve and of his possessions. Often when a preacher buys a new car or purchases a dwelling etc. Immediately someone says kind of what we call "tongue in cheek,"  "ummm, I think I'll take up preaching, there must be good money in it."  Or  "we must be paying our preacher too much."  Solomon said of envy that it is "rottenness of the bones" (Proverbs 14:30). There is no way to put a price tag on the work of faithful preachers or elders who give full time to overseeing and preaching the word. God commanded Israel to provide for those who gave their time to spiritual activities in the Old Testament. He likewise has ordained the same for those who do so today (1 Corinthians 9:3-11; Philippians 4:10-19; 1 Timothy 5:17-18).  Preachers and elders who are supported financially in their work should not be made to feel bad for the financial remuneration they receive as they give themselves "wholly to this work" (1 Timothy 4:15-16).

 When a certain feast day arrived among the Jews, Pilate asked them as governor  whom the people would like to have released? They had a notable prisoner named Barabbas, along with Jesus. Pilate asked "Whom will you that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ?  For He  knew that for envy they had delivered Him" (Matthew 27:15-18).  Imagine that! They could find no fault whatsoever with Jesus of Nazareth, still they would rather release a notable prisoner than to release this "good" man! See just how strong this attitude of the mind can be?  Have you ever experienced this sin?  If you haven't I hope you never do. If you have, I hope you will never be guilty again. Those who are envious we are told cannot enter into the kingdom of God. In this same context are listed other sins which will prevent one from entering heaven. They are "envying, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like...they which do such things shall not enter the kingdom of God" (Galatians 5:21).

 When we are children that's about all we think about, being entertained or having fun. There's nothing inherently wrong with a child wanting to have fun and be entertained if it isn't taken too far. Soon however, we desire that even children begin to take life a little more seriously and take on some personal responsibility. Sadly, the entertainment craze has reached into the church of Christ. We have a large segment of the church who have gone wholesale into the entertainment craze. They run what they call "joy busses" which take the young and old to places of entertainment. Six flags over Georgia or Texas, Disney World, Camps and retreats, bowling leagues, basketball and such are the order of the day among some local churches of Christ. They have built what is called "family life centers." They think the work of the blood bought church of our Lord is to provide for what they call "the whole man," from the cradle to the grave. We read of the social events in the so called "fellowship hall" or in the "all purpose room." They have everything from baby and wedding showers to birthday parties, to Halloween and Xmass parties all under the sponsorship of elders of some local churches of Christ. Many of those things are fine for the individual Christian or for a group of Christians, but Jesus did not shed His blood for an institution designed for such activities, but one whose major work is that of soul saving, edification, and relief of their own needy among them. Even some "liberal brethren" nowadays are crying and pleading with the brethren to stop putting the emphasis on such! Some are coming back to the truth and stopping such. Most are too proud to admit what Paul taught in (1 Corinthians 11:17-22)! Social activities are to be left to the home environment and not incorporated into a function of the local church of Christ. Paul said do that at home! The same place that feet are to be washed is where common meals are to be eaten. We should desire spiritual food for the good of our souls when we attend the services of the local church (Ephesians 4:11-16; Hebrews 5:12- 14; 1 Peter 2:1-2). Too many have misplaced priorities (Matthew 6:33). See (2 Timothy 3:4; James 5:5).

 It is difficult to keep children involved in anything for any length of time. They have a very short attention as well as interest span. Sometimes we mimic them in spiritual matters. While I do not believe a preacher should wear out his audience with prolonged sermons until they cannot begin to absorb what he is trying to teach them, still one would think that they could be as interested in spiritual matters as they are in a football, basketball, baseball game or a car race, boxing or wrestling match. In fact, one would think that folks would be more interested in spiritual matters than any sports event! Often this isn't true! Folks will pay big money for a ticket to some sporting event. They will arrive early and sit outside in inclement weather for hours if need be, with no complaints. I watched folks once who were at a football game between Vince Lombardy's Green Bay Packers and the Chicago Bears, sit in large numbers in 20 below zero weather. Some were carried out who passed out from the cold and were taken away in ambulances. Compare this interest to some who "pay very little" meaning put little in the collection plate and who come late and grumble if the temperature isn't perfect in the building as they sit on padded pews. Too, if the "game" excuse me, sermon is five minutes over time, meaning it lasts 45-50 minutes, he is in big trouble with John and Jane Doe Christian. Many sports fans buy season tickets so as to assure that they can attend every game. What about our assemblies to worship the King of Kings and Lord of Lords? You know the answer to my question already don't you? Paul said for us to be "steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as you know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord" (1 Corinthians 15:58).

 Once my family and I had been out of the state of Florida when we lived in Bradenton, as we returned we thought perhaps there had been a disaster of great proportion in our part of Florida. Cars were bumper to bumper heading North and it appeared to us that they were leaving the state by the thousands or tens of thousands! We finally stopped and asked what in the world was happening? Guess what it was? The University of Florida was playing someone in a football game.  All of those folks didn't want to miss that game! Is there anything particularly wrong with that you ask? Why no! I like football and basketball etc. The point of this lesson is the interest in such far exceeds most folks interest in spiritual matters. Have you ever seen such provisions made of such proportions to be at a "gospel meeting?"  Nothing like that since Pentecost I don't suppose. Some pretty large crowds go to Mr. Billy Graham's Campaigns. If he ever preached the whole gospel one time like Peter did on Pentecost, his next campaign would have a sparse crowd no doubt.
 

 We are to be courteous as Christians and not like children can sometimes be.  They are apt to say exactly what they think about someone. It isn't always good for children or adults to do this! A child is apt to say to Mary, "I don't like the way you hair is done." Or simply, "boy you hair's a mess." We should not be dishonest of course, but we can be too brutally honest if we aren't careful. Better to speak less and choose our words well. The Proverbs have a lot to say about this. A little bit of the "Golden Rule" applied would make for better human relationships (Matthew 7:12). Peter wrote "Be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love the brethren, be pitiful be courteous" (1 Peter 3:8). Do you say and do as you would like for others to say and do to you?

 Children have a simple faith and trust in their parents. A child who loves his father and trusts him will do what he asks without question. We need that kind of trusting faith today in the church of our Lord. Each of us needs it. Remember Paul's voyage to Rome the record of which we have in the Acts of the apostles? When the ship on which they were sailing was about to be broken up and they all feared for their lives, Paul made the following remarks. "...Be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man's life among you, but of the ship. For there stood beside me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, Saying, fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar and, lo God hath given thee all them that sail with thee. Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me" (Acts 17:22-25). We should think like that which Isaiah wrote in (Isaiah 12:2). "Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; He also is become my salvation."

 Often we see the sympathy and compassion in the hearts of our children when a bird or a mangy dog has met with an accident. There's no telling how many "critters" I dragged home when I was a boy. At one time I believe we had five dogs and about ten cats besides all of the farm animals. We even gave names to the old milk cows. I remember how upset I was when once we had to sell an old milk cow that I had been raised up with and which I had milked night and morning for some years. It was like selling a friend. I also have never forgotten the old red mule whose life I was asked to take with a shot gun because he got crippled on the highway. I was in on leave from the Navy. This mule was one of a pair that I had worked on the farm for years. On days off (which were few and far between) I would ride on the back of one or the other. Anyway it took several shots to end old Red's life. Let me tell you I was sick and could hardly eat for days. It took me months if not years to get over this humane act I performed to end his suffering. I wasn't really a "kid" by this time, but a young man. I was taught compassion and sympathy from my youth. Paul said we should "rejoice with them that do rejoice and weep with them that weep" (Romans 12:15).  Sympathy and compassion for others should not end when we grow up. It should become stronger especially for the Christian. To the Ephesians Paul wrote, "And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you" (Ephesians 4:32). To be forgiven, we must be compassionate and forgive others. Jesus said so (Matthew 6:12; Matthew 18:21).  Compassion and forgiveness go hand in hand. Where one exists, so will the other. Where one is missing, so usually is the other. Paul further wrote, and that by divine inspiration, "Forebearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye" (Colossians 3:13).

 This too is an attribute in little children which the child of God must possess. Without it, we would all be in "big trouble" come the day of judgment. James writes about this, saying, "For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath showed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment" (James 2:13). This says to me, that if I expect Christ to take into account any extenuating circumstances as He judges me, I had better have shown such to my  fellow man! We know He isn't suggesting that we over look sin and fail to "restore the fallen" as commanded elsewhere to do (James 5:19-20; Galatians 6:1-2; 2 Thessalonians 3:6, 14-15). We must be compassionate and "judge not according to appearance, but judge righteous judgment" (John 7:24).

 Paul wrote that we are to be children in malice, but in understanding we are to be men, to paraphrase his words from (1 Corinthians 14:20). We must therefore cultivate the attributes that are commendable in children while shunning those traits in them which would be wrong for us. How well do you feel you are doing along these lines? Remember that Jesus said "unless you be converted, and become as little children, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 18:3-4). To enter into Christ's church, and to finally enter into His eternal kingdom in heaven, we must be as little children. Little children are born physically, all men must be "born again" spiritually to enter the church/kingdom of Christ (John 3:3-5; 1 Peter 1:22-25; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Acts 2:22-38, 40-41,47).

 Are YOU a "child of God?" that's the most important question you will ever be asked. You should answer in keeping with Christ's will (Matthew 7:21; Heb. 5:9).

Call us at the office 1 (309) 347-3582 or my home at 347-5645 and we will arrange for a FREE home Bible study with you. Ken