Can you be like a little child and also be spiritually mature?

Brothers, do not be children in your thinking. Be infants in evil, but in your thinking be mature. 1 Corinthians 14:20

Word for word translation from the Greek: “Brothers not children be in the minds. Yet in the evil, be like little children; in the however thinking, full grown be.”

Taken from various portions of Biblehub: The Greek word ‘children’ here describes a very young child, from newborn through early childhood, and is employed both literally and metaphorically. Metaphorically it depicts those who are spiritually immature or tenderly addressed members of the church, Plural forms can highlight a collective identity (“the children God has given Me,”), while diminutive nuance underlines vulnerability and dependence. The Greek word ‘mind’ here draws attention to the inner faculty where thought, perception, and moral reflection converge. Scripture presents humanity as both spiritual and rational; therefore, the “mind” is never portrayed as a morally neutral data-processor. It is either yielded to God (Romans 8:6) or darkened by sin (Ephesians 4:17-18). The term behind this word highlights the seat of deliberate judgment, distinguishing it from mere instinct or emotion and setting a foundation for New Covenant teaching on renewal of the mind. The Greek word ‘evil’ here denotes an inner disposition of ill-will that schemes harm against God or neighbor. Scripture treats it as a heart-level corruption that surfaces in attitudes, words, and systems, and that must be renounced by all who have been joined to Christ. The Greek word ‘mature’ here clusters around the idea of completeness brought to its intended goal. It speaks less of flawlessness and more of the wholeness that results when God’s purpose is fully realized in a person, act, or era.

How do we NOT be moved and guided by our preconceptions and past learning? How do we move towards the truth and reality of things? How do we become ‘mature’ in our thoughts, perceptions, and morals? How do we grow in those things? Is it only by routine, study, formula, discipline, or is there more to this process? How much does the relationship with the indwelling Presence of the Holy Spirit matter in this process of spiritual maturing?  Is it more than just Him revealing our sin? Or convicting us? Have we moved into the process of also being ‘taught’ by the Spirit of God?

 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. John 14:26

Is this happening in your life? Can you give daily examples? Has He become the welcome voice within your heart and mind throughout your day? Does the Holy Spirit bring scripture to your mind? What do you do when He does that? Do you go to the scripture asking Him to teach you more about it? Or do you just brush it off as a random thought? Have you learned to ‘dig’ deep into the scriptures with Him? When you are reading, listening, or watching something do you ask Him to help you discern the truth or lies?

Now with so much propaganda being deployed by almost every media source can you discern the truth? Or is it the Holy Spirit who has a better understanding of what the truth and reality really is? Can He interrupt your ‘mental illness’ of corrupted preconceptions? Or are you so set on your petty preferences and hatred that He no longer can be heard in your heart and mind? Do you surrender to Him daily? Do you ask Him for His wisdom and understanding?

Jesus… I surrender it ALL to You! Holy Spirit come and teach me today. Speak to me Spirit of God, I need your Truth.