As believers, we seek to grow in our faith each day. We are aware that becoming Christ-like is a growth process. Prayerfully, as we walk with God, we see evidence of our growth. We can no longer be babes in Christ and seek to make a difference in the world. We need to be strong, mature believers. We need to put our childish ways behind us. Far too often, we act like little children, particularly when things do not go our way. Let someone omit our name in the program or fail to give us recognition, we pout! You have probably seen that. Hopefully, that is not something that you have done. Growing in the Lord is essential. In this first month of 2020, inventory your Christian walk. Do not compare yourselves to others; take an honest look at your walk with Christ. Can you honestly say that you have put childish ways behind you? Our scripture reference today is found in I Corinthians 13:11:

“When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things.”

This familiar passage is referred to as the “Love Chapter.” Paul calls upon his fellow believers to become strong in Christ. They can no longer behave as children. They are to put childish things away and grow in faith. He writes that his maturity in Christ has taken him to another level above his childish ways, thoughts and actions. Paul’s attitude focuses on love, faith and hope. He writes that the greatest of these is love. He understands that love covers a multitude of sins. One cannot grasp love when you behave like a self-centered child. May God continue to speak to our hearts so that when we act like a child, our loving Father will correct us.