JADED
Matthew 18:3: “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”
Twelve-year-old Jeremy felt grown up when he said, “I don’t believe you, Benjy!”
His ten-year-old cousin whined, “Honest, Jerm.” Then Benjy had an idea and yelled, “I’ll show you!” and ran into the house.
Halloween is scheduled to be celebrated tonight, rather than next Tuesday, the 31st of October.
The wind blew Jeremy’s bangs straight back on his head and he wrapped his arms around his body. Zipping up his jacket all the way, Jeremy watched his little cousin drag out a long thousand-legged costume. “Danny and I are dressing up as an insect! It’ll take both of us to wear this. I’m supposed to be the back legs,” Benjy said proudly. “See—a costume for twins!”
Jeremy couldn’t help his giggle. Relenting, he admitted, “You’re right, Benjy! A costume made for two!”
Jaded, [JAA-ded] means suspicious or distrusting. Despite there being only two years between the boy’s ages, Jeremy already sneers at his cousin’s wide-eyed adventures. It seemed like ages since he himself enjoyed clowning around and playing tricks on others.
Wide-eyed innocence is exactly how Jesus wants His followers to remain. Happy, peaceful, believing, awed by God’s gifts and provisions keep people thankful.
Yet, we’re encouraged to grow up. People are admired when we become self-reliant—depending on ourselves, and self-sufficient—caring for ourselves. There is a fine line that God draws for maturity [ma-TUR-i-tee] or responsible wisdom learned from experience.
Take Home Nugget
Apostle Paul scolds in 1 Corinthians 3:1-2: “Brothers, I could not address you as spiritual but as worldly-mere infants in Christ. I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you still are not ready.” Worldly means understanding what the flesh wants and yearns for.
Growing spiritually takes a lifetime. Papa teaches us as fast as we’re ready to grow. It starts with learning about Jesus. “Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so.” We trust Jesus. See the lesson linked below why this helps us get to heaven.
We can also trust Papa. Trust is not confusing. Grown-ups strive for getting better at the ‘self’-adjectives. But no one has to work for God’s love. That’s unconditional. No one can earn His blessings. His favor is granted freely to all who believe in His Son.
We can also trust God’s Spirit, who lives inside all who believe in Jesus as Savior and LORD. Only He can break bad habits. Only He can transform us into Christ-likeness.
Holy Papa, empower me to strive for my second childhood in Jesus, the only reality that won’t let me get jaded. Amen.
J.D. Griffith
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