“10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. 11 When I was a child, I spake 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 13:10-11
Growing Up
Sitting here seeing all the snow today, and finally getting dugout, gave me time to reflect on things of the past.
Now I don’t know about you, but for me when I was growing up and we had a snow like this it would be a blast! We would be outside playing in it for hours — building snow forts and having snowball fights! We would make snow ice cream, and it would just be a day for playing. But that was when I was younger.
I’m older now, much older! When the news came across of this snow storm, I began preparing by making sure (or trying to make sure) we would be able to be comfortable. The first order of business was to make sure we have enough propane. Next, I made sure the plow started for clearing the snow. And, just incase, I came up with a back up if the truck failed to start.
So the snow came and it drifted like it did back when I was a kid. It was around the cars, around the house, and very cold too. So, we are snowed in: now comes come the task of clearing the snow so we can get out.
Needless to say, we got dug out and the house is warm.
But what changed since I was a young boy all those years ago?
Christian Walk
This I believe is where 1st Corinthians 13 comes in. I’m not the same boy that dove in the snow and rolled around like it was nothing. Nor am I the same man who, as I matured in life, learned that maybe I cant take the cold or the heat like I used to.
It doesn’t mean that we changed for the worse.
Priorities
Rather, we learned that now we have priorities. I just listed my priorities for removing the snow. But how does this relate to our Christian walk?
“29 And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: 30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. 31 And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.” — Mark 12:29-31
God and others
Just like in carnal life, we need to know what we need first in our spiritual life. They are:
1. Put God first. Love Him with every fiber of our being.
2. Love your neighbor as yourself. How do we do this? We don’t think more of ourselves that we do anyone else. We remember that we were all sinners at one time.
I believe, in fact, that the word of God tells me if I can do this that everything else will fall into place.
Here is a question: have you ever watched children play? Sometimes, they get into a fight. Have you ever noticed how easy it is for them to forgive each other? Maybe we can take a lesson from them.
May God bless you and keep you