BOYS TO MEN

1 Corinthians 13:11 (NIV)
11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.

When Paul wrote these words, he made a distinct difference between boys (child) and men. In this passage, Paul implies that there should be a defining transition from boyhood to manhood, a definite rite of passage into manhood. This scripture describes two very distinct and different stages in a males life, as a child and as a man. It also suggest that there is a process in BECOMING a man. Do you remember when you became a man? In the Jewish culture, manhood is celebrated when a boy turns thirteen years old. This rite of passage is called a bar- mitzvah. In reality, there is no certain age a boy becomes a man, there is just a "WHEN". Which when are you in? When I was a child, or When I became a man.
There are expectations that are set for both boys and men. As a child we are expected to speak, understand, and think as a child would. If you have spent some time around boys, you know they are usually selfish, inconsiderate, they say exactly what's on their mind, and do things regardless of the consequences. These actions are tolerated and even expected from boys. These are but a few things on a long list of childish things that must be put away as we become men. It is a process in becoming a man, but the process will never begin until we start putting away childish things.

Men let us take a good long look at ourselves, do you see any childish things in our lives that need to be put away? Maybe it is the way we treat others. Does everything always have to go our way? Do you really want your son, grandson, nephew, cousin or neighbor to do and say the things they see you do and say? Was what you said and how you said it really necessary, even though you were right? After we see the good, the bad, and the ugly, in ourselves, let's ask God to help us to continue becoming the Men he has planned for us to be.

The search is on for MEN. The church is looking for MEN to be spiritual leaders, the world is looking for Men to be productive and successful, our young boys are looking for MEN to be mentors and role models, and the women are looking for MEN to be husbands and fathers. Real MEN are becoming extinct! Men, let us put away those childish things and be the MEN God expects us to be. It is time to transition from BOYS TO MEN.