“When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.” – 1 Corinthians 13:11

It sure is a sight to see.

For whatever reason, children love to play in the dirt – especially little boys.

It’s not uncommon to see them seated in the middle of a mudhole, dirt and water covering them from head to toe, squealing in delight at the fun they’re having.

They toss dirt into the air and laugh themselves silly when it lands on top of them. They roll around in it like pigs and even try to eat it from time to time in the form of “mud pies.”

We’ve all seen it. (And, if we’d only admit it, we’ve all DONE it too 🙂

And it sure is a sight to see.

Of course, it’s understandable to see small children playing happily in the dirt.

But, if you looked outside into your front yard and saw a 35 year old man doing the same thing, that’s a different story altogether!

If we drove down the rode in our neighborhood and saw grown men and women splashing delightfully in the muddied ditches, we’d shake our heads in astonishment.

If we happened upon deacons at our churches tossing dirt into the air and laughing happily as it landed upon their heads, we’d be concerned.

If we saw Sunday school teachers, and pastors, and ushers and any adult from our church out there rolling around and eating “mud pies” we’d have to step in and say, “Something’s wrong here . Stop acting like children.”

You know, that’s something that the Apostle Paul addressed when he spoke to the Corinthians .adults acting like children.

He basically said, “Something’s wrong here . Stop acting like children.”

Grow up.

Stop getting yourselves dirty. It’s time to stop wallowing around in the mud. It’s time to stop acting like you did when you were just a babe in Christ.

Christian, we face the same problem today in many cases. We have Christians who still act like children. They bicker and feud over petty differences. They pass on gossip and talk behind each other’s backs. They act rudely and selfishly, filled with bitterness and jealousy.

They act like kids.

You know what, there comes a time when adults need to start acting like adults. And Christians ought to act like Christians.

We are made in the image of Christ!

And we bear His Name!

May we wear it proudly, conducting ourselves in a manner befitting the Children of God, not just children.

Today the tempter will come to you. And he will invite you to play in the dirt. He’ll try to get you to behave like an immature little child in your dealings with others.

Christian, don’t accept his invitation. Don’t dirty your life with sin today. Instead, remember that you belong to Christ.

And keep your life clean today that others might see Him through the things you say and do.

Jimmy D. Brown support@Living4Jesus.com