1 Corinthians 13:11 - When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me

When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.

When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.

When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child, reason like a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things.

1 Corinthians 13:11

Commentary

Barack Obama referred to this Scripture during his historic inaugural address as the 44th President of the United States. His reference to the nation putting aside the childishness of old thinking that has divided our country captured the apostle Paul's original intent for this famous passage. The Christians of Paul's day were guilty of childish thinking that divided the church. There are many times in our spiritual growth that we have to put petty, childish things away. What childish thinking are you facing today? What petty walls of division need to be put behind you? As we take on the bigger picture of adulthood, we will see those minor infractions for what they are - childish reasoning that point more to our need for change than anything else.

Today's commentary by:
Dave Whitehead, Senior Pastor, Grace NYC

Psalm 2:10-11 - Therefore, you kings, be wise

White House State Dining Room Prayer

This photo shows the mantle in the White House State Dining Room engraved with the prayer of President John Adams: "I pray Heaven to bestow the best of Blessings on this House and on all that shall hereafter inhabit it. May none but honest and wise Men ever rule under this roof."

Photo courtesy of the White House Historical Society. Source: www.presidentialprayerteam.org

Psalm 2:10-11

Therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth. Serve the LORD with fear and rejoice with trembling.

Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth. Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.

Now therefore, O kings, show discernment; Take warning, O judges of the earth. Worship the LORD with reverence And rejoice with trembling.

Psalm 2:10-11

Commentary

This psalm was reported to be used in the coronation ceremony of kings seated in Israel. It starts by admonishing rulers who think that they could govern without the guidance of God. As the psalm progresses we see that God finds these efforts humorous. He has already put a plan in place: His son will rule with power and authority. By the time we get to today's passage the writer gives a word of advice - if earthly kings understand who is the true king is, they will recognize that there will come a day where we will all have to give an account for every action of governance. So kiss the Son and give Him homage. He is a refuge to all who are called to rule on this earth.

Today's commentary by:
Dave Whitehead, Senior Pastor, Grace NYC