Summary

When i was a child bible verse
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When i was a child bible verse

The Ultimate Biblical Guide to Spiritual Maturity: “When I Was a Child”

Part 1: The Scripture Collection (50+ Verses)

 

While the specific phrase “When I was a child” appears most famously in 1 Corinthians, the Bible is filled with the tension between childishness (which we must put away) and childlikeness (which we must keep). I have curated these into theological categories.

The Core Text: Putting Away Childish Things

 

1. 1 Corinthians 13:11 – “When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways.”

2. 1 Corinthians 14:20 – “Brothers, do not be children in your thinking. Be infants in evil, but in your thinking be mature.”

3. Ephesians 4:14 – “So that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine.”

4. Ephesians 4:15 – “Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ.”

5. Hebrews 5:13 – “For everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child.”

6. Hebrews 5:14 – “But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.”

7. 1 Corinthians 3:1 – “But I, brothers, could not address you as spiritual people, but as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ.”

8. 1 Corinthians 3:2 – “I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it. And even now you are not yet ready.”

9. Galatians 4:1 – “I mean that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no different from a slave, though he is the owner of everything.”

10. Galatians 4:3 – “In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles of the world.”

11. Ecclesiastes 11:10 – “Remove vexation from your heart, and put away pain from your body, for youth and the dawn of life are vanity.”

12. Proverbs 22:15 – “Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from him.”

The Call to Growth & Perfection (Maturity)

 

13. 2 Peter 3:18 – “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

14. 1 Peter 2:2 – “Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation.”

15. Colossians 1:28 – “Him we proclaim… that we may present everyone mature in Christ.”

16. Philippians 3:15 – “Let those of us who are mature think this way.”

17. James 1:4 – “And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

18. Hebrews 6:1 – “Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity.”

    2 Timothy 2:22 – “So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace.”

19. Titus 2:6 – “Urge the younger men to be self-controlled.”

20. 1 Timothy 4:12 – “Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.”

21. Luke 2:52 – “And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.”

22. Proverbs 1:4 – “To give prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the youth.”

23. Psalm 119:9 – “How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word.”

24. Ecclesiastes 12:1 – “Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth.”

Positive Childlikeness (Humility vs. Childishness)

 

It is vital to distinguish between the “Childishness” Paul rejects and the “Childlikeness” Jesus commands. 26. Matthew 18:3 – “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” 27. Matthew 19:14 – “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” 28. Mark 10:15 – “Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” 29. Luke 18:17 – “Whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” 30. Psalm 131:2 – “But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me.” 31. 1 Peter 1:14 – “As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance.” 32. Ephesians 5:1 – “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.” 33. Romans 8:16 – “The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.” 34. 1 John 3:1 – “See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God.” 35. Philippians 2:15 – “That you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish.”

Wisdom and The Tongue (Signs of Maturity)

 

36. James 3:2 – “If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body.”

37. Proverbs 4:7 – “The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight.”

38. Proverbs 19:20 – “Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.”

39. Job 32:7 – “I said, ‘Let days speak, and many years teach wisdom.'”

40. Proverbs 29:15 – “The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.”

Responsibility and Action

 

41. 1 Corinthians 16:13 – “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.”

42. Romans 13:11 – “Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep.”

43. Romans 12:2 – “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.”

44. Galatians 3:25 – “But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian.”

45. 2 Corinthians 5:17 – “The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”

Part 2: Top 25 Forum Q&A (The Believer’s Struggle)

 

I have analyzed the most active discussions on r/Christianity, GotQuestions, and BibleStudyTools regarding spiritual maturity and 1 Corinthians 13:11.

1. Q: What exactly are the “childish things” Paul refers to in 1 Corinthians 13:11? A: In context, Paul is contrasting partial spiritual gifts (prophecy, tongues) with the completeness of Love. Childish things here refer to a focus on the showy parts of spirituality rather than the substance (Love). It also implies emotional immaturity, self-centeredness, and lack of understanding.

2. Q: Is it wrong to have hobbies like video games or collecting toys? Does that violate this verse? A: Not necessarily. C.S. Lewis famously said that putting away childish things includes putting away the fear of being childish. Enjoying hobbies is fine; letting those hobbies dominate your responsibilities or prevent spiritual growth is where it becomes “childish” in the negative sense.

3. Q: How do I reconcile “Put away childish things” with “Become like little children”? A: This is the classic paradox.

• Put away Childishness (Paul): Stop being petty, selfish, divisive, easily offended, and unstable in doctrine.

• Keep Childlikeness (Jesus): Keep being humble, trusting, dependent on the Father, and full of wonder.

4. Q: I feel like I’m stuck on “spiritual milk.” How do I start eating “meat”? A: Moving to meat involves two things: 1) Deep theology (studying why we believe, not just what), and 2) Difficult obedience. Hebrews 5:14 says meat is for those who have their faculties “trained by practice.” You grow by doing the hard things.

5. Q: Does this verse apply to emotional regulation? A: Absolutely. “I spoke as a child” implies uncontrolled speech. “I reasoned as a child” implies self-centered logic. Maturity is the ability to regulate emotions and respond with grace rather than react with temper tantrums.

6. Q: At what age does one “become a man” spiritually? A: There is no set age. You can be a 50-year-old spiritual infant (1 Cor 3:1) or a 15-year-old spiritual giant (1 Tim 4:12). It depends on your surrender to the Holy Spirit.

7. Q: How does love prove maturity? A: 1 Corinthians 13 is the “Love Chapter.” Verse 11 is placed there to show that Love is the ultimate metric of adulthood. Children take; adults give. If you love selflessly, you are mature.

8. Q: Is nostalgia “childish”? A: No, remembering God’s faithfulness in the past is biblical. But living in the past to avoid the responsibilities of the present is spiritual stagnation.

9. Q: Why did Paul use this analogy? A: The Corinthian church was gifted but incredibly immature (fighting, suing each other, jealousy). He used the child analogy to shame them gently into realizing their behavior didn’t match their calling.

10. Q: What does “reasoned like a child” mean? A: A child reasons transactionally (“If I do good, I get a cookie”) and immediately (“I want it now”). An adult reasons relationally (“I do this because I love God”) and eternally (“I can wait for the reward”).

11. Q: Can trauma keep you spiritually childish? A: Trauma can arrest emotional development. However, God is the healer. Spiritual maturity often involves inviting Jesus into those past traumas to heal the “inner child” so the “adult believer” can thrive.

12. Q: How do I deal with a spouse who acts like a child? A: Pray for them, model maturity (don’t naggingly parent them), and set healthy boundaries. You cannot force them to grow, but you can create an environment where growth is encouraged.

13. Q: Is speaking in tongues “childish”? A: Paul doesn’t say tongues are childish; he says elevating tongues above love is childish. Tongues will cease (v. 8), but love remains. Focus on the eternal.

14. Q: How do I know if I’ve truly “put away” childish ways? A: Check your reaction to not getting your way. If you pout, gossip, or explode, you are likely still in a childish mode. If you seek peace and endure, you are walking in maturity.

15. Q: Is curiosity childish? A: No, curiosity is a hallmark of a “child of God” (seeking truth). Cynicism is the trap of the “adult world.” Keep the curiosity; lose the naivety about evil (1 Cor 14:20).

16. Q: Does this verse mean I shouldn’t watch cartoons or Disney movies? A: No. It refers to moral and spiritual character, not entertainment preferences (unless that entertainment causes you to sin).

17. Q: How does the “mirror” analogy (v. 12) relate to being a child? A: Paul says we currently see dimly (like a child struggling to understand). Maturity brings clarity. Ultimate maturity happens in Heaven when we see “face to face.”

18. Q: What role does the church play in my growth? A: Eph 4:11-14 says pastors and teachers exist to equip us so we are “no longer children.” You cannot fully mature in isolation.

19. Q: Can I slide back into childishness? A: Yes. The book of Hebrews warns against “drifting away.” Maturity requires constant “pedaling” or you fall over.

20. Q: Is “I spoke like a child” a warning against gossip? A: Yes. Children often lack filters and speak solely based on emotion. Maturity is taming the tongue (James 3).

21. Q: What is the difference between innocence and childishness? A: Innocence is purity from evil (commanded in 1 Cor 14:20). Childishness is ignorance of truth or lack of self-control.

22. Q: How do I help my children understand this verse? A: Tell them: “Being a kid is great, but God is preparing you to be a warrior/servant. Every time you choose to share or be patient, you are growing your ‘spirit muscles’.”

23. Q: Why is patience a sign of maturity? A: Children have almost zero tolerance for delayed gratification. Patience proves you have a long-term perspective (faith).

24. Q: Does growing up mean losing my joy? A: Never. “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” Maturity brings a deeper, resilient joy that isn’t dependent on circumstances (unlike a child’s happiness which depends on toys/candy).

25. Q: What is the first step to spiritual adulthood? A: Taking responsibility for your own spiritual diet. Stop waiting to be fed by the pastor; pick up the spoon (Bible) and feed yourself.

Part 3: 15 Actionable Tips for Daily Application

At Work & Career

 

1. Own Your Mistakes: A child hides the broken vase; an adult admits it. When you mess up at work, admit it immediately without shifting blame.

2. Delayed Gratification: Don’t sacrifice long-term career goals for short-term ease. “Putting away childish things” means doing the boring, hard work today for the harvest tomorrow.

3. Emotional Regulation: When a colleague annoys you, don’t react (child). Pause, pray, and respond with reason (adult).

4. Seek Feedback: Children hate correction. Adults seek it. Ask your boss, “How can I improve?” and listen without getting defensive.

In Studies (School/University)

 

5. Deep Work: “I reasoned like a child” involves superficial understanding. Push yourself to understand the deep principles of your subject, viewing it as exploring God’s creation.

6. Integrity: Cheating is a shortcut (childish). Doing the work, even if you get a lower grade, builds character (mature).

7. Manage Time: A child plays until told to stop. An adult manages their schedule. Use a calendar and prioritize your duties before your leisure.

Social Life & Relationships

 

8. Listen More than Talk: “I spoke as a child” implies constant noise. Maturity is being “quick to hear, slow to speak” (James 1:19).

9. Stop keeping score: Childish friendships are transactional (“I did this, so you owe me”). Mature friendship is grace-based.

10. De-escalate Drama: When gossip or drama circles, be the dead end. Don’t pass it on. “In thinking be mature” (1 Cor 14:20).

11. Celebrate Others: Children get jealous when others get gifts. Mature believers rejoice when others succeed (Romans 12:15).

Family & Home

 

12. Serve First: Children wait to be served. Adults look for needs. Do the dishes, take out the trash, or change the diaper without being asked.

13. The “Pause” Button: When you feel a tantrum coming on (yes, adults have them), physically remove yourself, pray 1 Corinthians 13, and return when you can speak love.

14. Financial Stewardship: A child spends what they have. An adult budgets, tithes, and saves. Bring your finances under the Lordship of Christ.

15. Spiritual Leadership: If you are a parent, you are the shepherd. Don’t just send kids to Sunday School; lead devotionals and prayer at home.