What Do You Want To Be When You Grow Up?
What do you want to be when you grow up? This is one of my favorite questions to ask a child. Little ones might say they want to be a police officer, a tractor driver, or a nurse. At times I get an imaginative answer such as a movie star, superhero, or possibly a husker football player. When someone is asked “what do you want to be when you grow up,” it triggers thoughts of futuristic goals, regardless of whether growing up will ever take place at all.
Speaking of which, I’m told might be the case with me. Maybe that’s why it got me to thinking about this question. What should I be, could I be, or want to be when I grow up? Would my temporal goals of success become a priority? Do I dare chase a dream or change what I must be to completely grow up? It’s not out of the realm of possibilities.
What If Jesus Is Asking The Question?
However, a more thought-provoking inquiry might be… How would my answer change if I knew Jesus is the one asking me the question? Now, that changes the whole concept of my answer. Suddenly, I must admit that I am a long way from growing up. I look in the mirror and ask my reflection… “Are you comfortable or complacent where you are at spiritually… or can you grow up a little bit?” I ask, yet I know the answer. Truth to be told, God has plans for me even though I might not know what they are (Jeremiah 29:11). Therefore, I best get started doing something. Metaphorically speaking, if I wait for perfect weather, I won’t get any seeds in the ground, or if I worry about each cloud, I won’t get any crops harvested (Ecclesiastes 11:4).
Am I Who I Can Be?
I often think about the Apostle Paul. He was a living icon of not letting any grass grow under his feet. Can I follow his lead? Hmm, I thus turn and look back at my image in the mirror. I know I can raise a more productive spiritual crop than in the past if I concentrate on God’s eternal promise given to me through faith (Philippians 3:12-14). I should also listen to what Paul told the Ephesians… In order to “grow up” you must walk wisely, make the best use of your time, and get a grip on what God wants you to be (Ephesians 5:15-17). My friends, what spiritual reflection do you see in your mirror?
It is never too late to grow up. And when you encounter roadblocks, just place your trust in the Lord and do not rely on your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6). You might consider looking at what God wants you to do, not as something extra, but something essential.
Grow Up To Be Like Jesus
We all grow at different rates, and that’s ok. Just keep in mind that whatever you decide to be when you grow up, keep your roots deep in Christ (Colossians 2:7). He will then be part of what you will become, and part of where you will go.
Dear Jesus, when I grow up, I want to be just like you.
Amen.
Jeremiah 29:11
Ecclesiastes 11:4
Philippians 3:12-14
Ephesians 5:15-17
Proverbs 3:5-6
Colossians 2:7
— Phil
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Today’s Scripture
Jeremiah 29:11
Jeremiah’s Letter to the Exiles
11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Ecclesiastes 11:4
Cast Your Bread upon the Waters
4 He who observes the wind will not sow, and he who regards the clouds will not reap.
Philippians 3:12-14
Straining Toward the Goal
12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 5:15-17
Walk in Love
15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Colossians 2:7
Alive in Christ
6 Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, 7 rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.