“Brothers and sisters, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults.”– 1 Corinthians 14:20
1 Corinthians 14:20 Meaning
This verse from 1 Corinthians 14:20 speaks volumes about maturity and wisdom in our thoughts and actions. It contrasts childlike innocence in regard to evil with the expectation that we should adopt a mature and thoughtful approach in our thinking. The author, Paul, encourages us to stop thinking like children and strive for a deeper understanding of our faith and the world around us. This plea invites each of us to grow and develop into a more profound relationship with God through wisdom and discernment. Paul is not suggesting that we abandon the purity that comes from being childlike; rather, he emphasizes the importance of growing up spiritually. We must learn to navigate the complexities of life with wisdom, ensuring that our hearts remain innocent to evil while our minds strive to be as discerning as possible.
This verse makes it clear that being adult-like in our thinking means engaging critically with our faith and the issues we face. We are urged to reflect deeply and seek understanding, as well as to mature in our beliefs and in our relationships with others. While innocence is a beautiful thing, when it comes to understanding evil and the challenges we face, we are invited to examine life through a lens of maturity, which means actively seeking out God’s wisdom and applying it to our circumstances.
1 Corinthians 14:20 Commentary and Explanation
In this passage, Paul is speaking directly to the believers in Corinth, who were known for their spiritual gifts but also for their struggles with divisions and immaturity within the church. But why does he contrast childhood with adulthood? What does this really look like in our lives today?
There are many ways in which this teaching aligns with our own lives. As we grow, we naturally become more aware of our surroundings and begin to understand the world in more complex ways. Children are innocent and trusting, and they tend to see the world in black and white. They often do not have the ability to fully comprehend the nuances of right and wrong, which explains why they require guidance from adults. However, as we mature, we learn about the shades of gray life presents. We encounter challenging situations and moral dilemmas that require us to think critically and apply our faith. This is why Paul emphasizes the importance of thinking like adults—in essence, to become wise and discerning in our Christian walk.
The call to be like infants in regard to evil is equally significant. In a world filled with temptations and challenges, we should maintain a childlike innocence about the harmful desires and actions that surround us. In this way, Paul suggests that we must challenge ourselves to focus on purity and refrain from engaging in evil. This does not mean we turn a blind eye to the realities of life; rather, we must exercise caution and protect our hearts from corruption. The coffeehouse chats, the entertainment shows, the social media posts—many of these can expose us to negativity and evil. By keeping our hearts innocent, we can remain mindful of the choices we make and the influences we allow to shape our lives.
In our journey of faith, we are reminded that spiritual maturity involves taking responsibility for our growth. It motivates us to pursue a relationship with God that demands more than mere attendance at church services or participation in religious activities. Instead, it means studying scripture, praying, and being part of a community that encourages our growth. We are called not just to understand our faith on a surface level but to deeply engage with the truth of God’s word and apply it practically—in our thoughts and actions.
Context of 1 Corinthians 14:20
To get a better grasp of this passage, it’s helpful to understand the context in which Paul is writing to the church in Corinth. In the early Church, there were divisions and debates regarding spiritual gifts, particularly around speaking in tongues and prophecy. Paul writes this letter to address those issues and provide guidance to the Corinthians. He emphasizes that which gifts are beneficial both to the church community and to individual growth in faith.
The 14th chapter primarily deals with the manner in which spiritual gifts should be used in worship, emphasizing the importance of intelligibility in communication and prophetic messages that build community. Paul wants the Corinthians to understand that their actions should aim for mutual edification. In verse 20, he speaks directly to the need for maturity in thought and understanding to achieve this. By cultivating mature thinking, they would engage in practices that uplift one another and foster an environment where God’s message of love and truth prevails. This letter serves as an invitation to prioritize love and mutual understanding in the practice of spiritual gifts in the body of Christ.
Paul’s call to maturity also reflects his personal journey and the wisdom he gained through his experiences. As someone who had encountered Christ on the road to Damascus, Paul was transformed from a persecutor of Christians to a passionate advocate for the faith. His understanding of God’s grace deepened over time, which offers us an essential example of the ongoing journey of spiritual growth. Just as he sought to understand the implications of faith in Christ, we too are encouraged to pursue knowledge and understanding in our own lives, which results in fruitful service and a closer relationship with our creator.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of 1 Corinthians 14:20
Let’s take a closer look at the key components of this verse to further spotlight its significance:
“Brothers and sisters, stop thinking like children” – This phrase directly addresses the Corinthians, urging them to abandon immature thought patterns. It speaks to the need for growth in judgment and empathy. It highlights that our thinking often reflects our understanding of God and ourselves.
“In regard to evil be infants” – This section emphasizes that we should approach evil with naivety and innocence. Just as a child is not influenced by the moral complexities that steer adulthood, we should avoid being drawn into the destructive aspects of the world. In doing so, we can remain pure and focused on God’s truth.
“But in your thinking be adults” – Maturity in thought means approaching life with critical thinking, discernment, and wisdom gained from our Christian faith. We must strive to understand the world through God’s lens while taking responsibility for our choices and actions. This gives rise to a more profound and authentic faith that seeks knowledge, wisdom, and a connection with God.
Lessons From 1 Corinthians 14:20
As we parse through this powerful verse, numerous lessons come into view that can encourage us in our daily lives:
The need for spiritual maturity: We are reminded that growth is not optional. Just as physical growth is part of life, so is spiritual development. We must focus on taking steps to engage with God, study His word, and connect with others who share our faith journey.
The importance of innocence in the face of evil: Being alert to the immorality around us while choosing to remain unaffected by it equips us to live our lives in the light of God’s truth. It is challenging to remain innocent in a world filled with distractions, but committing to this principle means we can shine our light brightly as God intended.
Embracing a deeper understanding of faith: Thinking like an adult invites curiosity and a desire for knowledge. This means actively seeking out theological insights, exploring topics of faith, and participating in discussions that challenge our understanding of scripture and apply them to our daily lives.
The necessity of community: Engaging with other believers equips us to walk in spiritual maturity. We thrive when we share our struggles, successes, and lessons learned, offering support and encouragement to one another.
Living out our faith: Think of how we can apply these principles in our everyday lives. Whether it’s being mindful of what we allow into our hearts and minds, deepening our study of God’s word, or stepping into opportunities that challenge our faith and growth, we are called to embrace these lessons actively.
Final Thoughts
In closing, 1 Corinthians 14:20 serves as a beautiful reminder that while we must embrace childlike wonder about many aspects of life, the maturity of our faith is non-negotiable. Seeking wisdom, being critical thinkers, and engaging deeply with the truths of God are what we are called to do in our walk with Him. By choosing to think as adults, we navigate the complexity of life with grace while maintaining a pure heart towards the evil around us.
Let us continually seek in our hearts the desire to grow in knowledge, wisdom, and understanding as we tread through life together, committed to loving and uplifting one another. If you are looking for ways to deepen your insight, explore various topics like Bible verses about telling friends the truth or Bible verses about temptation. Each step forward in understanding enriches our journey of faith and lifts our souls.