Since this blog is called Thoughts Of Redemption, it would make sense that these new posts I’m writing are coming from some of the thoughts that have been coming to mind. Just know that I’m loving how it’s been happening as of late! Anyways, a few days ago, I found myself thinking about the relationship between maturity and innocence.

As we grow up in life, there are immature things that we used to do and believe that we end up growing out of, and this happens because we mature in life. At least that’s the hope and ideal right? As we grow up though, we also tend to lose the kind of innocence that is rooted in children who aren’t as aware of the cruelties of life as adults are. Children are known to see the best in others and don’t harbor feelings of mistrust and cynicism that we as adults do.

As I was thinking about maturity and innocence, I really started to ponder on how much imagery the Bible has about children, and how much God delights in calling us His children when we follow Him. I think it is so easy to grow in maturity and lose the innocence of life that would cause us to move more freely and take more risks in doing things than we may tend to. When we were kids, we would dream of doing anything we would imagine in our minds, yet when we grow up we lose that wonder.

Losing this wonder and innocence as we mature doesn’t just affect us in the natural, but spiritually as well, especially when it comes to having childlike faith. The past few days has really exposed some areas of growth that I need in my level of faith, because it shows in how I make decisions and think through things. It has been one of the most vulnerable times in my life, because it really has challenged me to trust the Lord more, and actually showing it by making decisions with courage.

“Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.”

-Mark 10:15 (NKJV)

God has called us to put away childish things that prevent us from growing and being mature, but His purpose is to renew our way of thinking without taking away the purity of our approach to life. An approach that is similar to children in innocence and wonder, without the naivety that would hinder us. The more we trust God, the more we start to look as His children, because He is a Father that delights in giving to His children according to His will. How we see ourselves and what God has already given us will reflect the choices we make in our lives.

There are habits and mindsets that we adopt that don’t reflect the faith of children, and I can truly say this is something God is reminding me of right now personally. It doesn’t feel good or comfortable to be exposed, but it is truly life-changing. These things can become rooted in us, where we have to challenge how we’re thinking, so that our decisions are rooted in freedom. Instead of rooted in fear, insecurity, or doubt. So I encourage you as I tell myself, go get your wonder back!