Growing Up!   
 

by Lowell Blasingame

Do you remember the pride that you experienced as a child in having some adult tell you that you were really growing up and becoming a big boy or girl?

Most of us have come to recognize that growing up  involves developing mentally and emotionally as well as  physically. Unfortunately, some have not learned this and we sometimes see little people living in grown bodies!

Actually, you are growing up when you:

1)  Can recognize your own faults and work toward their solution.

2)  Can say, "I'm sorry" to those whom you may have offended or injured.

3)  Can put others first and watch them excel you without feelings of resentment or bitterness.

4)  Can accept constructive criticism.

5)  Can accept responsibility for your failure without  trying to shift the blame to others.

6)  Derive greater pleasure from what you give than from what you receive from others.

7)  Become concerned about how others are affected by what is being said and done by you.

 8)  Can suffer injustice without becoming embittered      and wrong without retaliation.

 9)  Can control your temper and divert your anger into useful rather than into destructive channels.

 10)  Learn that the cultivation of virtues of lasting value in life is of greater importance than participation in things that bring momentary pleasure.

 11)  Can drink from the cup of human praise without      becoming intoxicated by foolish pride.

 12)  Have learned that to fear God and keep His     commandments is your highest calling and the only truly profitable course for you in life.

Without learning these lessons, one may acquire size and age in life but he will never have in the true sense learned the secrets of growing up.

 

 

 Other Articles by Lowell Blasingame

Baptism Isn't For!
Cross-Centered Preaching
"By What Authority"
Rejecting the Reins
Are All Churches of Christ Alike?