Apostle Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, concludes his correction to the Corinthian believers concerning speaking in tongues during their meetings with a sharp rebuke. His rebuke mimics Jesus’ rebuke to the apostles concerning their childish arguments about who was the greatest. “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:1-4; Mark 9:33-37; Luke 18:15-17)
Paul wrote, “Brothers, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults.” (20) The Corinthian believers, like the apostles, had childish thinking that sought human recognition and conformity. The mature in Christ in love think about how to seek the welfare of others even at the expense of self.
Paul directs their selfish, childish thoughts towards someone who comes to their meetings with inquiries about Jesus and the gospel. If that person were to come in and see all them speaking at one time in a strange language, the chaos and confusion would have the same response as at Pentecost, “These people are drunken mad!” They would quickly leave. However, if someone speaks in clear language and with honest emotion about the gospel, they will come to faith in Jesus and repent.
So what of my thinking? Is it mature or childlike? Do I heed Jesus serious rebuke? Do I in love think about how others will see my actions? Does all of me prophesy? (24)
