✨ The Voice of the Immature

…until I put away childish things

1 Corinthians 13:11

“When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child.

But when I became a man, I put away childish things.”

✨

Introduction

Let me start by giving clarity to this verse.

When Paul says:

“I thought like a child… I reasoned like a child… but when I became a man, I gave up childish ways,”

he is talking about spiritual maturity—moving from immature reactions into a mature understanding of God, self, and life.

Now listen…

This blog is not written to call anyone immature.

That’s not my place.

I don’t know where you are spiritually.

All I know is God whispered this title into my spirit, and here I am—writing what He placed on my heart.

And the truth is, in the times we’re living in, we MUST grow.

If we don’t, we will find ourselves acting out in childish ways without even realizing it.

There comes a moment in every believer’s life when God lovingly puts His finger on our hearts and says:

“It’s time to grow up.”

Not as a rebuke.

Not as a shame message.

But as a Father speaking to a child He loves deeply—

a child He wants to see flourish.

Paul said it best:

“When I was a child, I spoke as a child… but when I became a man, I PUT AWAY childish things.”

And the truth is… many of us still carry a childish voice inside of us:

• a voice shaped by old wounds,

• old habits,

• old reactions,

• old thinking,

• old emotional patterns…

A voice that reacts instead of responds.

A voice that says:

“I feel it, so I’m going to say it.”

“I want it, so I’m going to do it.”

“I’m hurt, so I’m going to lash out.”

But God says:

“My child, that voice cannot go with you into your next season.”

Because what was acceptable when you were younger—emotionally or spiritually—

becomes dangerous when God is calling you to higher places.

At some point, maturity requires us to look at our lives and say:

🌿 Some behaviors can’t follow me anymore.

🌿 Some attitudes must be laid down.

🌿 Some reactions are no longer cute—now they’re costly.

🌿 Some patterns I outgrew spiritually, but never let go of physically.

Before we can put childish things away, we must identify them.

And trust me—

the Holy Spirit is ready to help us grow, strengthen, and mature…

so the voice of the immature no longer dictates our decisions, relationships, or walk with God.

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The Voice of the Immature — What Childish Behavior Looks Like

Immaturity doesn’t always look loud, dramatic, or obvious.

Sometimes it hides.

Sometimes it blends in with personality.

Sometimes it feels “normal” because we’ve carried it for years.

But when the Holy Spirit shines His light, He exposes the attitudes, habits, and reactions that cannot stay.

Here are the childish things Scripture identifies:

🍭

1. Throwing Tantrums When We Don’t Get Our Way

We may not fall on the floor,

but we throw adult tantrums by:

• complaining

• grumbling

• pouting

• shutting down

• withdrawing

• moodiness

God called this “childish behavior” in Israel.

🍬

2. Being Easily Offended

A tone…

A look…

A correction…

And suddenly we’re wounded.

But Scripture says:

“Love is NOT easily provoked.”

🎈

3. Needing Constant Attention or Validation

Children ask:

“Do you see me? Do you like me?”

Spiritually immature believers ask the same.

But Galatians 1:10 reminds us:

If we live for man’s approval, we can’t fully serve Christ.

🍪

4. Acting Out of Emotion Instead of Wisdom

Children feel → then act.

Immature believers do the same.

But maturity pauses.

Maturity prays.

Maturity responds through the Spirit, not the flesh.

🎠

5. Self-Centeredness

Children see the world through “ME.”

Immaturity says:

“What about my feelings?”

“What about my preference?”

But maturity says:

“Not my will, but Yours.”

🧸

6. Envy, Jealousy, and Comparison

Children fight for attention.

Adults do too—just silently.

Maturity can celebrate others without insecurity.

🪀

7. Lack of Self-Control

Immaturity shows up in:

• words

• emotions

• habits

• desires

• reactions

Self-control = spiritual maturity.

🧩

8. Being Easily Swayed or Double-Minded

Children are easily influenced.

So are immature believers.

But maturity stands firm.

📚

9. Talking Without Thinking

Children blurt everything.

Immaturity over-talks, overshares, and overreacts.

Maturity knows when to speak—

and when to stay silent.

🎀

10. Quitting Too Easily

Children give up quickly.

Immature believers quit under pressure.

But mature believers endure.

🧃

11. Fear Instead of Faith

Children panic.

Immature believers let fear drive decisions.

Maturity says:

“I trust God even when I’m afraid.”

🎗

12. Holding Grudges / Refusing to Forgive

Children keep score.

Immature believers keep emotional records.

Maturity forgives—

not because the person deserves it,

but because your future depends on it.

🍼

13. Depending on Others to Feed Us Spiritually

Children must be spoon-fed.

Immature believers rely solely on:

• pastors

• prophets

• devotionals

• friends

• others’ prayers

Maturity says:

“I can seek God for myself.”

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But When I Became Mature, I Put Away Childish Things

There comes a moment when the Holy Spirit whispers:

“That can’t go with you anymore.”

Not out of anger,

but out of love and preparation.

Paul didn’t say childish things magically disappeared —

he said:

“I PUT them away.”

Meaning:

• I decided

• I surrendered

• I partnered with the Spirit

• I let go of what hindered me

• I chose growth over comfort

Spiritual maturity is intentional.

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Putting Away Childish Things Looks Like…

🌱 Choosing God’s will over your feelings

🌱 Being Spirit-led, not impulse-led

🌱 Standing firm instead of quitting

🌱 Taking responsibility instead of blaming

🌱 Walking in forgiveness, not bitterness

🌱 Practicing self-control

🌱 Letting faith lead, not fear

🌱 Becoming consistent in prayer, service, and love

✨

Maturity Isn’t Perfection — It’s Progress

Maturity doesn’t mean:

❌ you never fall

❌ you never cry

❌ you never struggle

It means:

✔ you fall less

✔ you recover faster

✔ you repent quicker

✔ you discern sooner

✔ your spirit grows stronger

Spiritual maturity is when God can trust:

• your character

• your reactions

• your words

• your integrity

• your heart

Because you’ve surrendered your childish voice

and embraced your mature one.

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Why This Matters

You cannot walk into a new season with old behaviors.

You cannot carry a childish mindset into a mature calling.

You cannot expect spiritual authority without spiritual growth.

God wants to elevate you.

He wants to mature you.

He wants to strengthen you.

And that requires putting childish things away.

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Closing

As we conclude this teaching, feel the gentle pull of the Holy Spirit saying:

“I’m growing you — and I’m with you.”

Putting away childish things is not about perfection.

It’s about progress.

It’s about surrender.

It’s about stepping into the version of you God always saw.

Your childish chapter is over.

Your mature chapter is calling.

✍️

Author Bio

Lauretta Scott is a faith-filled writer and founder of iPublishub-Book. She shares heartfelt, Holy-Spirit-led devotionals that encourage believers to grow, heal, and walk boldly in purpose.