Recently a Toys 'R' Us store near us closed and within weeks the building was occupied with a Harley dealership. I joked to my husband that they had just traded kid's toys for "big boy" toys.
You've probably seen the T-shirt that says, "He who dies with the most toys wins". And perhaps the Christian T-shirt response, "He who dies with the most toys still dies."
Our tastes mature as we grow, but for some the child-like desire remains. We've all heard the line about "boys and their toys" (I think it can apply to "girls" too). But what happens when our walk with Christ, even our faith mirrors this type of behavior?
When we go from singing "Jesus Loves Me" to "Jesus, Lover of My Soul" is it just because we're in "big church" or is it because we relate to and desire what the lyrics reflect? Do we long for an intimate, constant relationship with our Lord or are we satisfied with meeting a couple of hours a week to sing and listen to a sermon while our mind drifts to what's for dinner or whether the rain will hold off for afternoon golfing?
I've seen parents who want their kids to put down the Sunday school paper and sit up tall to listen in "big church". However, I don't mind seeing kids reading their take-home papers in church. That's the level where they are. I'd rather have them there reading something Christ-centered, than not have them come at all. But as adults, if we're doodling in the bulletin, making our shopping list, or sleeping -- shame on us! We should be at a place where we listen to God's word proclaimed and look forward to relating personally on whatever level we are with Him.
Even new Christians should have that desire -- and many are more enthusiastic to meet Christ than those of us who have been Christians for years. We are called to be examples and encouragers to those who are young in the faith. That's hard to accomplish if we don't live it ourselves.
Ephesians 4:14-15 says, ". . . we are no longer to be children, tossed about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming, but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him, who is the head, even Christ."
So this week, even though we may act like kids in some respects and enjoy our toys, as we listen to His word and His voice, let's remember though we may not yet be "grown up" in Christ, we are to be "growing up"!