“I'm Taking Responsibility”
When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I felt as a child, I thought as a child: now that I have become a man, I have put away childish things.
Andrew S. writes:
This verse (1 Corinthians 13:11) impacted my life because it helped me realize that I am old enough to understand that God holds me accountable for my actions. I’m not a child anymore, and God isn’t like my parents - I can’t hide anything from God.
My walk with God changed drastically when I began to look at myself the way God sees me. I understand what the Bible means when it says, “I walked, talked, thought, and spoke like a child, but when I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.”
As a child I was quick to reason, like I didn’t know any better when I had done wrong, but as a man I am responsible as well as convicted of my shortcomings.
I realize now that with God on my side, perfection is reachable, as evidenced by Jesus the Christ. In addition, children depend on their parents but, as adults, we learn to lean on the Lord and his understanding.
Please note that the views expressed in this story are not necessarily the views of the American Bible Society. Story posted on February 4th, 2008 and filed under Praise, Your Stories, Life Verse.
February 4th, 2008 at 11:04 am
Andrew, I can feel your energy and passion. Thanks for sharing about some movements happening inside of you. Very cool!
Just curious, what do you mean by “perfection is possible”?
February 4th, 2008 at 4:07 pm
Dear Andrew S. :
I echo your faith that “with God on my side, perfection is reachable,” when I answer His Call “Follow me.”
Throughout life, in thick and thin, my “strength is made perfect in weakness” because His grace is sufficient” for me.
We are called to be “perfect” as our “heavenly Father is perfect.” (Matthew 5:48) by following His Way, His Truth and His Light.
Perfection in knowledge is possible here on earth when one is divinely inspired (Job 36:4).
With God, “All things are possible” (Matthew 19:26). Throughout the Testaments, we are called to undivided loyalty to God, wholehearted obedience to His Will, “Beyond all things, put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.” (Colossians 3:14).
Yes, I “lean on” Him, and thus have a perfectly free mind, heart and soul to perform my humble duties of the day within my limited ability.
No doubt, however, I am fully aware that “Nobody is perfect but the Father in Heaven” “through Jesus Christ with a love incorruptible.” (Ephesians 6:24).
Thank you, and
May God ALL MIGHTY Bless you,
Always and Forevermore,
Mary Sun.
February 6th, 2008 at 1:05 am
Dear Andrew, I admire your courage, faith, and your desire to be perfect. I have to believe you were talking about the “spiritual man” reaching perfection. We should all strive and be determined to reach perfection. For one to be perfect we must be like Christ, always about our father’s bussiness, minding the things of the spirit and not of the flesh. When I hear the word perfect, I think of Jesus Christ. When I think of Jesus Christ, love and compassion comes to mind. So to be perfect is to be like Christ, to have a mind like Christ love and compassion for all of mankind. The greatest commandment is, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God , with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind;and [love] thy neighbor as thyself.[Luke 10:27]. I believe if we can have this kind of love in our heart then we are close to perfect as we can get.
God Bless and Keep You!
Michael Baker