(1 Corinthians 13:11 NIV) 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 childish ways behind me.
It is easy to look around our technologically advanced world and to believe that we have come a long way from those backward folks of Jesus’ time. Technology, information, and enlightenment are all positive things and I am not against them. I’d much rather be writing this on my computer than trying to use a dry parchment with feather and ink. Consider, though, that technology has advanced our tools without advancing the humans that use them.
Solomon wrote that there was nothing new under the sun. If we examine the history of humanity we will find that they had the same emotions we have. Their situations and goals were possibly different. After all, they were from a different culture. The way their minds worked is basically the same. The spirits God gave them are no different than the ones he gave us.
Even looking into church history we can see things that appear to us to be odd or even silly. Of course, we have outgrown this unusual type of silly behavior because we are sophisticated and mature in both knowledge and behavior. We are modern beings. So were they; in their time. And in time we will become them. Future generations will look back on our culture and wonder what we were thinking when we were doing things that clearly seem odd or silly to them.
It is a great thing to be involved with our Lord and to express emotions exuberantly. David danced before the Lord in the presence of his people in nothing but his underwear. Jesus used spit to make mud and put it on a man’s eyes to heal him. Noah preached about rain when the earth had never heard of such a thing. Samson refused to cut his hair and God anointed him with strength. I wonder if we could get away with those sort of things today.
We allow our emotions to take control of us and they run free like a freight train out of control. We say or do things which may seem odd or even silly. It’s hard to say exactly what those things are. Some church services are quiet and a person shouting or testifying would be out of place. Other services are loud and boisterous and a quiet person would be just as out of place. How can one know if they are truly following God’s will for their life?
Ask. God’s Spirit is within us. Scripture tells us that we are not under laws if we are keeping in step with his Spirit. By following the Holy Spirit’s leading in our life even the odd and silly can be anointed. After all, God used Hosea and a prostitute to show us what grace was about. Strive to be mature but do not suppose that maturity is a logic thing that can be defined. Maturity is a heightened position in a personal relationship with our Lord.
(Hebrews 6:1 NIV) Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity…
Tim on 
Roy Proctor on 
Rhoda Edwards on 