When I Became a Man

Dear Brothers,

Thank you for taking the time to reflect with me today on a verse that addresses, in a powerful way, the journey of a man’s life. In 1 Corinthians 13:11, the Apostle Paul writes:

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.

Though this verse comes in the famous “love chapter,” often read at weddings, it holds deep significance for men in every stage of life. Paul uses his own growth as a metaphor for spiritual maturity, urging us to set aside childish ways and embrace the responsibility, wisdom, and love that define true manhood in Christ.

In a culture increasingly confused about masculinity, this verse is a clarion call. It reminds us that Christian manhood isn’t about bravado, wealth, or power, but about maturity, wisdom, and sacrificial love. It’s a call to grow up – not merely in years, but in character, faith, and responsibility. Today, we’ll reflect on what it means to “give up childish ways” and embrace the full stature of a godly man.

The Mark of a Man

Paul highlights three key areas where growth must occur: speech, thought, and reasoning. These aren’t merely external behaviors but indicators of deeper spiritual maturity.

1. Speech – A child speaks impulsively, often without wisdom or restraint. Proverbs 10:19 reminds us, “When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.” A mature man has learned to guard his tongue, speaking with wisdom, truth, and grace. His words build up rather than tear down (Ephesians 4:29).
2. Thought – A child’s thoughts are often self-centered and short-sighted. But the mature man disciplines his mind, aligning it with God’s truth (Romans 12:2). He meditates on what’s noble and pure (Philippians 4:8), rather than being swayed by fleeting emotions or cultural trends.
3. Reasoning – A child reasons immaturely, often based on feelings rather than truth. But a mature man discerns wisely, testing all things against Scripture (1 Thessalonians 5:21). He doesn’t react in anger or fear but considers the long-term consequences of his actions.

C.S. Lewis once wrote, “For the wise men of old, the cardinal problem of human life was how to conform the soul to reality.” True masculinity isn’t about conforming to the world’s fleeting definitions but aligning ourselves with God’s eternal truth.

Giving Up Childish Ways

Paul’s statement, “When I became a man, I gave up childish ways,” suggests an intentional act of surrender. But what does this mean in practice?

For many men, childish ways manifest as irresponsibility, self-centeredness, or avoidance of hard truths. It can be seen in a man who refuses to take spiritual leadership in his home, who prioritizes comfort over calling, or who seeks validation in worldly achievements rather than in Christ.

John Newton, the great hymn-writer of Amazing Grace, once said, “I am not what I ought to be, I am not what I wish to be, I am not what I hope to be, but still, I am not what I once was.” This is the essence of maturity – it’s a journey, not a destination, at least not in this life. Growth requires leaving behind old patterns of immaturity and embracing the responsibilities God has placed before us.

Manhood in Every Season

Maturity doesn’t arrive with age but with intentional pursuit. Whether you’re in your 20s, 40s, or 70s, God is still calling you to deeper growth. Consider how this verse applies in different seasons of life:

• Young Men (20s-30s): This is the season of building – careers, marriages, families, and spiritual foundations. The temptation here is immaturity in priorities. Many men chase ambition at the cost of relationships or neglect their spiritual life in pursuit of success.
• Middle-Aged Men (40s-50s): This is the season of refining – balancing responsibility, faith, and family. The temptation here is complacency. Some men, having achieved stability, drift into a passive existence, forgetting that God still calls them to lead and grow.
• Older Men (60s+): This is the season of legacy – mentoring the next generation and finishing well. The temptation here is isolation or regret. Some withdraw, believing their best years are behind them, but Scripture calls older men to be examples and teachers (Titus 2:2-6).

As Dietrich Bonhoeffer reminds us, “The test of the morality of a society is what it does for its children.” Likewise, the test of a man’s maturity is how he invests in the next generation.

Maturity Is a Choice, Not an Accident

Spiritual maturity doesn’t happen by default – it must be pursued. Just as physical strength requires training, so does character, wisdom, and godliness. A man doesn’t simply drift into godliness; he must choose daily to grow in Christ.

Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 encapsulate this well: “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.” (We’ll be looking at these verses in our next devotion.)

At the heart of biblical manhood is strength in faith and tenderness in love. Maturity is not mere toughness – it’s the ability to stand firm in truth while leading with humility and grace.

Questions for Personal Reflection

1. In what areas of my life am I still speaking, thinking, or reasoning like a child?
2. Do my words build up and reflect wisdom, or do they tear down and show immaturity?
3. Am I actively pursuing spiritual growth, or have I grown complacent in my faith?
4. How am I leading in my home, church, and workplace? Am I taking responsibility or avoiding it?
5. What legacy am I building for the next generation? Am I mentoring and investing in younger men?

Action Steps

1. Identify and surrender an area of childish thinking. Take time in prayer and ask the Lord to reveal where you still reason like a child. Is it in relationships, work ethic, or faith? Surrender it and seek biblical wisdom.
2. Commit to daily spiritual discipline. Maturity comes through consistent habits – prayer, Scripture reading, and accountability. Surround yourself with godly men who challenge you to grow.
3. Step into responsibility with courage. Whether it’s leading your family in prayer, mentoring a younger man, or making a hard decision with integrity, choose to step forward rather than shrink back.

A Final Word

Brothers, becoming a man in Christ is a lifelong pursuit. It’s not measured by age or accomplishments but by character, wisdom, and faithfulness. Let’s not settle for childish ways but press on toward maturity, embracing the call God has placed on our lives.

Stay strong in the faith, and may the Lord continue to shape us into the men he’s called us to be.

Grace and peace,
Pastor Dale

Thank you for joining me today. My hope is that you were encouraged and blessed by this reflection. If you found this helpful, I encourage you to share it with others who may need it. And remember, there are more devotionals, Bible studies, and resources available – click here to explore Walking Points.