Monday, February 22, 2016

PETER PAN CHRISTIANS


OK, so there's this TV commercial.

It drives me crazy.

Picture the scene:

It's a high school reunion, Class of 1965.  A small group of people are quietly talking.

And then…

Peter Pan flies in.

He lands in front of the group and promptly does two completely annoying things:

He asks one of the men to give him a high-five, and as soon as the man reaches up, Peter slugs him in the stomach.

Then he acts surprised as he glances at a woman – "Joanne, is it you?" – and then proceeds to tell her, "You don't look a day over 70."  (Which is sooo insulting, because if you calculate her age, she's only 68!!)

The commercial ends with Peter singing, "You Make Me Feel So Young," while flying around the room and hitting people in the head with his feet.

It's a funny commercial, but by the time it's over, I want to slap young Peter silly!

Honestly, though, don't we all know someone who refuses to grow up?

I have seen full-grown adults acting like obnoxious children.

(And I have observed that this tendency is especially true when there's alcohol involved.  No wonder we are cautioned against drunkenness – it makes us look like fools).

Then there are other people who dress too young for their age.  In my humble opinion, I think that instead of making them look younger, they just end up looking tasteless.

Still others accumulate "toys" – fancy and expensive things.  Have you ever seen that bumper sticker that says: "He who dies with the most toys wins"?

Yeah, that's maturity speaking.


So, what's at the root of immaturity?

I think it's three main things – insecurity, pride, and fear.

Insecurity can arise when we compare ourselves to others.  

And in a culture that celebrates (idolizes?!) youth, it's tough to feel healthy self-esteem.  Plastic surgery is so prevalent these days.  Many people seem addicted to it, and pursue endless methods of staving off appearing old.

It's the modern-day fountain of youth.

Now let me say this, if you've had plastic surgery, I'm not going to judge.  I've been tempted a few times myself.  But if you're seeking it for all the wrong reasons, it will never alter the actual years on the calendar.

Pride can arise when we think we are in control of our lives.  

And when we start to get older, a fact we cannot control, it's tempting to get caught up in doing all sorts of other things that give us the illusion of control. New clothes, new jewelry, new "toys", new people – all of these things can be pursued in a prideful effort to "cheat" growing older.

The enemy can exploit this – infidelity, greed, discontentment – all of these things stem from a prideful desire to "get what I want" – to make life (or re-make it) in our own image.

And so often, what we do NOT want is to grow older.

Fear can arise when we face those candles on the birthday cake.  

Because the older we get, the more we have to face our own mortality.  And that, my friends, is a daunting and sobering reality.

Now I'm not gonna lie.

Getting older can be pretty scary.  

Changes that occur in our bodies and our minds can be terribly unsettling.

Aching joints, wrinkles, hair loss, weight gain, hearing impairment – not fun.

Not to mention the increasing frequency of *senior moments* – those times when you forget stuff – like what you were talking about in the middle of a sentence!!

It's disturbing.

I'm going to be 62 pretty soon, and I am so NOT looking forward to it.

But, though I'm growing older, I don't want to grow old.

I'm talking about a mindset.

A mindset where I don't give in to the oh-woe-is-me outlook that life is over, that I am useless, and I might as well just grab a shawl and a rocking chair and give up.

No sir.

However, as I grow older, I do want to start wearing some of the good things that come with agedignity, wisdom, grace.

Because just as refusing to grow up as people is annoying, refusing to grow up spiritually can be disastrous.


God does not want Peter Pan Christians.

We are admonished in the Word of God to not be childish.  But we are also encouraged to be childlike.

Hmmm…

A contradiction?

I think not.

So let's ponder that.

I've come up with eight characteristicsfour that are signs of childishness, and four that are signs of childlikeness.


Let's see if any resonate with you:


1) Children have tantrums

Oh boy.

Haven't we all seen the "beauty" of a child having a tantrum in the middle of the grocery store, or a restaurant, or even church?  (I have also been the parent dealing with that…ahem).

Children have tantrums because they get easily frustrated when they don't get what they want when they want it.

And they let everyone know about it!

A childish spiritual outlook demands that God act according to our ways, our wants, our timing.

Spiritual maturity learns the patient way of waiting.


2) Children are greedy

In infancy, a certain amount of "greediness" makes a lot of sense.  Babies are nothing but little blobs of "need."  They are driven by those needs, and squawk when they don't get them met.  It's a matter of survival.

But as babies grow older, this tendency remains.

Their natural tendency is to want everything for themselves.  All of the stuff, all of the time.  I have seen small children surrounded by toys, but still wanting the one thing that someone else has.

A childish spiritual outlook is greedy, coveting recognition, approval, money, possessions, power – whatever it is that this life tempts us to crave.

Spiritual maturity learns that earthly treasures are not treasure at all – they’re just worthless trinkets not worth grasping.


3) Children are selfish

The gift of sharing doesn't come naturally to a child.

However, it is completely natural for them to go through the "It's mine!" stage. In fact, it's a good sign of behavioral development.  It signals the fact that they are experiencing a greater sense of self, and learning how to attach complex feelings to inanimate objects.

They are asserting ownership to maintain a sense of order and control.

But if you ever try to take something away from them, look out!

That phrase: "It's like taking candy from a baby."

Oh yeah.

A childish spiritual outlook does not share easily, and insists on personal ownership, order, and control.

Spiritual maturity recognizes that all things come from God, and holds lightly to things, always willing to let go.


4) Children consider themselves the center of their own world

We celebrate the growing sense of independence as a baby grows up.

But we also harbor an expectation that they will continue to develop beyond a self-centered focus on themselves – their thoughts, feelings, desires, wants – to a place where they consider the needs of others.

Narcissism – defined as an inflated sense of one's own importance – doesn't look good on anyone over the age of 3!

A childish spiritual outlook focuses only on the self, and selfishly pursues the satisfaction of the self, often to the ignorance of the needs of others.

Spiritual maturity learns to feel empathy, and to reach beyond the self to sacrifice and surrender.


If those are some characteristics of being childish, what about being childlike?

Let's ponder some of those:


1) Children have a sense of wonder

Have you ever looked at the world through the eyes of a young child?

Everything is wonder-full!

They are endlessly curious, continually fascinated by the wonder of the world that surrounds them.  A sense of awe is a familiar companion.

Every day begins with wide-eyed marvel at the beauty and complexity of life.

There is no room for complacency, apathy, lethargy, or indifference.

Childlike faith greets each day with wonder, insisting on seeing the beauty of God's world with awe and astonishment.


2) Children are affectionate

Don't you just love the image of children crawling up into the lap of Jesus?!

I can see a bundle of them surrounding Him – some of them sitting on His lap, some stroking His hair, some touching His face, some playing with His sandals, some snuggling into His robe.

Unmitigated, unhindered, unreserved affection.

Children know how to love Jesus!

Childlike faith holds great affection for the Lord, and is willing and eager to pour out love at His feet like an offering.


3) Children are curious for knowledge

Little children are like sponges – soaking up every piece of information they can get.

Children are not easily satisfied with pat answers.  They do not desire trite or cliché or routine.  They are constantly curious, always looking for new insight, new revelation, new wisdom.

They want to learn new things, and they are willing to pursue knowledge in single-minded focus.

Childlike faith isn't satisfied with one-dimensional knowledge, but rather, pursues spiritual insight, revelation, and wisdom with single-minded focus on the Author of Truth.


4) Children find joy in simple things

Children love to giggle and laugh – mostly at the simple things in life.

They are happy creatures who live as if life is profoundly simple, and simply profound.

Blowing dandelions in the wind, flying a kite, building a sandcastle, holding a butterfly, licking a lollipop, skipping rope…children enjoy simple things with great delight.

They haven't yet become distracted by the weight and worry of the world.

Childlike faith bears in mind that circumstances don't dictate the condition of the heart, and remembers that simple joy can be found by delighting in the Lord.


So, to sum up, I have to assert that personal maturity does not necessarily correlate with longevity.  Just because we have a greater number of years on this planet, it doesn't mean that we've grown into maturity.

Maturity must be mindful.

And it's the same in our walk of faith.

Being a believer for a certain number of years doesn't automatically guarantee spiritual maturity.

Spiritual maturity must also be mindful.

Spiritual maturity takes intentional work – prayer, study, discipline, application of truth. 

It takes purposefully pursuing Jesus, emulating His ways, and letting the Holy Spirit continually renew and redirect us into the path of spiritual growth.

It requires discerning between what's childish and what's childlike.


No, God does not want Peter Pan Christians.

He wants His children to grow up into maturity, reflecting accurately His Truthwhile at the same time exhibiting a total surrender of self to the joys of pursuing and obeying Him.

A tall order sometimes?

Yes, but we can do it with His help.

He can teach us how to carry ourselves with dignity, wisdom, and gracewhile still maintaining a childlike faith.


Yup, that's what I want – to grow up…

…while still being a Kid of the King!!






Though growing older
may show in my face,
I'll do it with dignity, wisdom,
and grace. 




"'My people are fools; they do not know me. They are senseless children; they have no understanding.'" (Jeremiah 4:22, NIV)

"Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation…" (1 Peter 2:2, ESV)

"Dear brothers and sisters, when I was with you I couldn't talk to you as I would to spiritual people.  I had to talk as though you belonged to this world or as though you were infants in the Christian life.  I had to feed you with milk, not with solid food, because you weren't ready for anything stronger.  And you still aren't ready, for you are still controlled by your sinful nature." 
(1 Corinthians 3:1-3, NLT)

"For everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is an infant.  But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil." (Hebrews 5:13-14, NASB)

"When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child.  But when I grew up, I put away childish things." (1 Corinthians 13:11, NLT)

"Dear brothers and sisters, don't be childish in your understanding…Be innocent as babies when it comes to evil, but be mature in understanding matters of this kind." (1 Corinthians 14:20, NLT)

"Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity…" (Hebrews 6:1, NIV)

"…when I am among mature believers, I do speak with words of wisdom, but not the kind of wisdom that belongs to this world or to the rulers of this world, who are soon forgotten.  No, the wisdom we speak of is the mystery of God…" (1 Corinthians 2:6-7, NLT)

"So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.  Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ." (Ephesians 4:11-15, NIV)

"He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ." 
(Colossians 1:28, NIV)

"So now through the church the multifaceted wisdom of God [in all its countless aspects] might now be made known [revealing the mystery] to the [angelic] rulers and authorities in the heavenly places." (Ephesians 3:10, AMP)

"Jesus called a little child to him and put the child among them.  Then he said, 'I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven.'" (Matthew 18:2, NLT)

"'I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn't receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.'" (Luke 18:17, NLT)

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." (Proverbs 9:10, NIV)



Do you struggle in an area where you're lacking spiritual maturity?




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40 comments:

  1. such a wonderful post my friend, love you.

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  2. Great ending of a powerfully inspiring post, Sharon! with much wisdom n grace. I'd much rather be childlike than childish, how often we fall short no matter our age. love ya ~Peggy(no updated gratefuls yet) I'll be back.

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  3. I too hate that commercial; almost cringe every time it comes on :)

    So true that God does want us to be spiritually mature and to basically grow up; not to crave milk but move on to more solid food in his word, etc. I have the most trouble with anxiety and worry; that's where I'm still spiritually immature, even though I should know better!

    betty

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  4. Oh, that commercial drives me nuts, too. My daughters have both thanked me for dressing my age. I'm too serious, I'm sure. I hope "oh, grow up" will never be said to me. But maybe, I could work on being childlike and more affectionate.

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  5. As I read your descriptions about being child-like, I could see so much of my granddaughters reflected in your words. Being around them certainly keeps me young at heart and more open than ever to the simple gifts God showers upon us every day.
    And I'm right behind you in the birthday department, Sharon. I'll turn 61 on March 1. Can't turn back the clock, but we can sure live in style when our focus is on the Lord!
    Blessings!

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  6. Yep, me too...that's exactly what I want! I want to express the love of Jesus with all that is in me and be the coolest old lady you've ever known! :) Love this post.

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  7. Probably good thing I've not seen that commercial. Sounds like a throw-the-remote-at-it kind. I hope that I will always be childlike not childish.

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  8. That commercial annoys me too, Sharon. And yes, I've seen quite a few adults that don't want to grow up. There are times that *I* don't want to be a grown-up either! ha. But I know that life goes MUCH better when I am a grown-up. Maturity doesn't always come with age, but I'm praying it does anyway.

    On the other hand, why are younger ladies starting to intentionally dye their hair grey? It's a trend I keep seeing that I can't understand. ha. Grey will come soon enough....

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  9. Oh, to be childish and to be childlike are completely different. I hate it when people are childish but childlike people are so fun to be around.

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  10. Very good thoughts, Sharon. I never thought of it this way, but a spiritually immature Christian is surely not who I want to be! God help us to grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and to produce good quality mature fruit in our lives!

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  11. Another good post Sharon. Thank you for the encouraging comment you left on my post. God Bless

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  12. Hi Sharon! I have seen this commercial too. What a great jumping off place for your study on childishness and being a true child. Your list is very convicting, I have to say. "Children are greedy". Um...yeah. That makes me very childish. I always ask for what I want, but do I remember the thank you's and the acts of joyful mercy?

    This is a real gut-spirit-check for me. I hope I grow up soon...
    Blessings,
    Ceil

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  13. This had me smiling.........I'm going to be 68 and Joel 70 thiis year. Young at heart for sure.....but planning to live a life that honors God. The other day I saw a woman at church in her 80's wearing tight leggings and furry belted top. Iplastic surgery evident. I had to work at being grace-full and not judge. Expect she thought she looked great ? I just hope I grow old gracefully......but at 68 that is still a long time coming 😊

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  14. Very interesting points and encouragement to grow up maturely. I like the study of "child-likeness" and not robbing maturity with age by indulging in fear, pride and insecurity. I noticed with our toddler in the family that when we want to take something out of her hand that's not the best for her right now, we distract her with something better for her. That's what came to me as I read this. I'm asking God to remove immaturity and replace it with wisdom, grace and dignity....because like it or not....I'm old.

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  15. Hi Sharon....visiting from the #SmallWonder link up. I like your Scripture-packed posts filled with a dose of reality. God bless you and work.
    (and hello from a former Fresnan--sure miss the Sierras! we're in Seattle now.)

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  16. Amazing comparison to children and being childish! Wise advice on how to be in the right mind frame to bring honor to our Father and joy to this gift we call life. Thanks for the fun and encouraging words.

    Yeah, the youngster playing Peter Pan is pretty annoying... guess that's the whole idea.

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  17. never fear - 64 is around the corner for me - welcome!! great post -maturity often comes w/ pain of some sort - and as we trust and lean in, God grows us up - speaking to a fun group next week - four talks on this very subject called: Growing Something Besides Old-Seasoning Our Live for Jesus - blessings!

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  18. You had me with the title! I love it! And there is so much truth in what you said. Babies are cute, but not when they are 40! LOL Hopped over from Jaime's Sitting Among Friends Party. Have a great rest of the week.

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  19. Oh, it's so important to stay young in all the ways you list - I'm sure your writing here helps with that. Thanks for welcoming us in, Sharon.

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  20. Love this so much--part of my message all the time "telling stories to children of all ages"--and I don't necessarily mean school age kiddos. Always such an enriching read when I drop by your place. You are wise and your age surely becomes you.
    Blessings!
    Kathy

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  21. Another post to ponder. I've asked God to help me be refined...I'm still growing....even when the years add up!

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  22. Hi Sharon, popped by to say hi and you asked if I was a louise Penny fan. I am and I love that she's a Canadian, and the kindness person ever. Wishing you a beautiful day out there.

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  23. Great post. I really loved the contrast between the characteristics of childish versus childlike! Great observations. (Popped over from Suzie Eller's #LiveFree Thursday #linkup).

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  24. Big difference between childlike and childish. Great distinctions.

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  25. There are such valuable insights here about the difference between childish and childlike. Goodness, I saw myself and my children on both sides. Ouch. Thanks for linking up at #ThreeWordWednesday.

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  26. I really enjoyed the ties you made in this post. That commercial makes me cringe each time I see it. As for being child-like, I love seeing the world through my kids eyes - the wonder and excitement over things I think are small. Experiencing things anew through them is wonderful and helps me be more childlike. Childish - like you say - is another beast entirely! - Louise

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  27. I loved this post. There is a time to be child like and other times to please grow up. I didn't see that commercial, but I would have hated it by your description. Thank you for sharing with us here at Tell me a Story.

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  28. Well this is one of my top five!!! Maybe because I just told my husband I was not liking growing older, more like a two year old who stomps his feet! At the same time, I am seeing God mature me as I send more time with him...who knew, that at my age I needed to grow up so much more!! I do and He is doing it in me. He isn't finished yet. The childlike, I get that, because I watch it in my son and grandsons and I know what it means. I want that also! Thanks for this great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! post!!!!!

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  29. So much to think about here. Growing older, yes, it comes with many disadvantages, but so many advantages too. Spiritual maturity, do we ever really achieve it? I think it is more a seasonal change. There are times of great maturity and closeness to the Lord and then there are seasons of great storms which bring us back to immaturity. When doubt, insecurity even a lack of faith makes us, forces us to go deeper in our walk. Great things to ponder here. Thank for sharing your wisdom at Party at My Place today.

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  30. I groan every time that Peter Pan commercial comes on! Makes me want to give him a good lickin! I bet there are times when God feels that way about me--like I need a good spiritual lickin' and a "talkin' to". Great post, Sharon.

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  31. I just discovered your blog today. What an insightful, teachable moment for me as I did just turn 62 last week. I have shared with others as you nailed it exactly as it is and should be. Such a good analogy of Peter Pan and our own spiritual maturity in our walk with Christ. Thank you for sharing. Look forward to reading more and pondering upon what the Holy Spirit has revealed to you. Blessings...

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  32. Such a great comparison Sharon. I don't think I have seen the commercial as I tend fast forward past them. But you have me curious now.

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  33. Really well written. I truly enjoyed reading immensely. I can relate and completely understand these words. As I can think of one peter pan Christian in my life. Someone way older than I am but very spiritually immature. Thanks for sharing with TGI Saturdays.Blessings.

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  34. Hi Sharon! Oh, I "highly dislike" that commercial! Each time I see it I groan! But, like Bette Davis once said, "Growing old ain't for sissies!" That's true...The aging process isn't the most fun, however, we can gain such beauty when we depend on Christ for the journey! Blessings, Joan

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  35. Great post! I have never seen that commercial! When it comes to growing old I always think of the saying that goes something like "Age with grace because not everyone gets the opportunity to grow old". Thanks for linking up with us and we hope to see you back at #BloggersSpotlight next week!

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  36. I dont watch TV so I haven't seen that comercial, but it does seem dumb! Thanks for sharing at the Thursday Favorite Things blog hop.
    Cheers,

    Jennifer
    http://awellstyledlife.com

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  37. Terrific post! I especially focused on this: "God does not want Peter Pan Christians." I never thought of it that way but it's true! And I loved reading your child-like characteristics - that is how I want to grow too!

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  38. I agree that the Lord desires all of His children to grow in maturity. And I hope that I have, although I know I have a ways to go.

    Here's the but.... But, I have to remember that each person, each individual, is on their own path and what they appear to be now is not their final destination. Someone comes to church dressed inappropriately, maybe even again and again; someone else hasn't had the faith or the personal power to hand their addiction over to Christ, once for all, but they work on it every day.

    My worry is that we may see people's faults instead of how Jesus sees them; forgiven and perfect in His sight.

    My job is to love each one as Jesus loves me. That's not to say that I turn a blind eye to misbehavior, but I love them through and despite it.

    I can't change anyone's behavior by pointing out what's wrong with it. I can however, point to how much Jesus loves them and allow Him to change them.

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  39. Loved your honesty and analogy! Thank you for sharing this on #TheCozyReadingSpot!

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  40. It is so true about that commercial! At first it is funny, but then you do think that Peter does need to be disciplined after seeing it a few times. Great analogy used with Peter Pan, and the immaturity of some people. Thanks for sharing this honest post with #SocialButterflySunday! Hope to see you link up again this week :)

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"So [I] have been greatly encouraged in the midst of [my] troubles and suffering, dear brothers and sisters, because you have remained strong in your faith. It gives [me] new life to know that you are standing firm in the Lord. How [I] thank God for you!" (1 Thessalonians 3:7-9)

Thanks for your comments - it is such a joy to be sharing my journey with friends like YOU!

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