Spiritual Adulthood?

[Warandpeace]

Any thoughts on what spiritual adulthood entails?

I imagine 1 Corinthians 13:11 has some bearing on its meaning (But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known).

I was reading a blog that I had Google translate from Spanish to English. Perhaps this is a concept that is more prevalent in Spain?

 

[CruceSignati]

Any thoughts on what spiritual adulthood entails?

I imagine 1 Corinthians 13:11 has some bearing on its meaning (But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known).

About the child part: I think he meant that he put away selfishness, unkindness, etc. and became selfless, kind, and virtuous. **Note: **He did not mean that he was finished being **childlike **, but rather, finished with childishness. Jesus told us to be childlike; that is, to be faithful, forgiving, honoring and loving one’s parents, and obeying God’s commandments.

 

[Aelred_Minor]

The passage there is a mere analogy, comparing our perception of God in heaven to our dim perceptions in this life with the familiar experience of a child growing up.

Of course it does take for granted that it is right and an improvement for a child to become an adult. When Christ encourages us to be childlike he does not mean we should be stunted in our intellectual and spiritual development.