“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.” I Corinthians 13:11 NIV
In a wild flash of black fur, seventy-five-pound Tipper raced through the living room and dove under the ottoman.
A moment later, she was still there, whining.
She had gotten herself stuck! She could not, for the life of her, wedge herself free from under the furniture as she had just weeks before when she was smaller.
I crossed the room, lifted one end of the ottoman, and released her from her self-made prison.
How often do we find ourselves diving back into a habit that will imprison us? Before we grow in our faith, we might have walked in and out of that habit with ease. As we grew in our faith, we might not immediately recognize the consequences of falling back into the trap until we are there, caught in the thick of it.
Extracting ourselves may seem impossible, and we might, like Tipper, whine for help.
God is always there. He promises, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Even when we make poor choices.
He will come and help us. He will also lovingly allow us to pay the consequences for our actions. Among other benefits, it might help us to remember not to do it again!
Tipper is still growing and maturing, just like we should in our faith. She’s physically huge, but mentally is only a toddler. As her family, we need to be patient with her.
Even as we as God’s children age, God knows our spiritual maturity level and He is patient with us. Paul explains in I Corinthians 13:11 that our actions will reflect our maturity.
Maybe, just maybe, someday Tipper will no longer dive under the ottoman!
Reflections:
How do I respond to everyday situations? Are my actions and attitude honoring to God?
How should I change?
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You that You are indeed always there. Even when I make mistakes. Even when I wasn’t thinking. Please forgive my failures and help me to mature in my faith so that I may honor You. Amen.