Grow up” is a curious phrase that is used frequently for a variety of reasons. It is generally used to indicate that the receiver of said phrase is less mature than his years would indicate. It bears consideration though as to what type of growing up we would like to be done and even whether the growing up ought to be done. As we consider this idea of growing up in today’s society I believe we will find that in some ways (the wrong ones) growing up is happening entirely too quickly and in other ways (the fruitful ones) is not happening at all.

To begin with, Jesus instructs that we should be as little children (Matt. 18:3) while Paul suggests that we should “no longer be children, tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine” (Eph. 4:14). We have what may seem to be a conflict of teaching. Don’t grow up, grow up! Obviously there is growing up that needs to be done – certain childish characteristics that must be put away. All the while there are certain child-like traits that Jesus would have us to retain. It would seem that when folks pronounce that kids are growing up too quickly these days, they mean that children are losing those virtuous characteristics of which Jesus speaks. As if this weren’t bad enough, they also retain those characteristics that are condemned by the apostle Paul. The product is children without innocence. Not the children Jesus is longing for. Let us consider the nature of what kind of growing up needs to be done and what kind does not.

Grow up in the realm of responsibility. Too many adults find themselves no less dependent upon others to do for them than they were as little children. We are not discussing those who are physically disabled and therefore truly helpless, but rather those who are too lazy or unconcerned to do a job. Children quickly tire of any particular task and decide that they can no longer perform the work at hand. We look around a find this to be the case in so many workplaces today. More distressing than this we find this attribute abounding in many churches as well. Also there is a lack of obligation. The only obligation many feel is to themselves. Who cares about commitments? There is no heed taken to the duties one has taken on but rather only to one’s own comfort. God’s word is quite plain with regards to working (II Thess. 3:10; I Tim. 5:8). The Lord has also spoken clearly with regards to our responsibility to the church (Heb. 10:24-25). Grow up and do your job.

Grow up in the realm of stability. Paul talks about being tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine. This same instability reaches to the whole of our lives. As we move beyond childhood and into adulthood we ought to move to being more stable people. We hold down jobs. We are more easily satisfied. We are not always looking for the greener grass that youth seeks after. Doesn’t sound like the world today does it? It is truly frightening, however, to see among God’s people those who are still seeking for something different. Elders, deacons, and preachers who after so many years of service become discontented with this life and discover satisfaction in sexual misconduct. Or those who leave the service of God for the pursuit of money. It is heartbreaking and urges us to cry out “GROW UP!” “Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.” (I Tim. 6:6-8).

Grow up in the realm of understanding. Understanding is something that requires honesty and effort. One must put forth effort to gain the information and employ honesty to properly interpret that information. Those with normal mental faculties have all the ability they need to understand God’s word. Those who do not understand have either not put forth the effort or time needed to come to that understanding or they have seen the information and do not like the resulting conclusions. Too often when we don’t understand something we are satisfied with that. Instead of saying, “I must put more time into that” or “My beliefs have been challenged I shall have to examine further to be sure of my conviction”, rather we say, “Well that’s one of those difficult things that Peter said Paul wrote about”, or, “It doesn’t matter what the information is I still believe what I want too.” We should never be satisfied with not understanding God’s word. We must also be aware that ignorance will be no excuse when we stand before the Almighty. He requires that we know Him (Heb. 5:12-14; Rom. 1:20-21).

Be childlike in purity. Too often when someone says grow up they mean that you should be aware of carnal things. We should not be ashamed to be ignorant of worldly things. There are a great many things of which I am proud to be completely ignorant and hope to remain so. Our primary knowledge should be in things above (Phil. 4:8-9). Some may think us childish because we do not participate in various acts of ungodliness. They view adherence to religious standards as kiddy stuff. When we get older we can do as we please. In this area there is wholly too much growing up. To be pure is not childish but rather the child-like nature that Jesus called for. As His people we stay pure no matter our age. We never outgrow righteousness (I Tim. 5:22).

Be childlike in humble obedience. There seems to be a breakdown in humility all together. Instead of hearing respect your elders children are told don’t take anything off anybody. “I’m grown” is the phrase of the day. Unfortunately, not only are they mistaken but they have learned this phrase from there parents who also apparently are not grown. It is easy to see when we are children that everybody else is bigger than us and that we need the assistance very often from those who are bigger. Too soon, however, we begin to think that because we are growing and can do more things on our own that we don’t need others. Children are also told that they are the most important thing. You look out for you. When someone is compliant and respectful to those in authority, he is told to grow up: “Don’t let anyone tell you what to do”. How terribly unfortunate are those who listen to such admonitions. God will not tolerate those who will not obey Him. God has no patience for those who do not empty themselves of foolish pride and realize that they are helpless before Him. We have our example in the Son (Phil. 2:5-8).

Grow up? Yes, grow up indeed. But be sure that whatever growing we do is in the Lord and not in the world. “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (II Pet. 3:18).
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