be a baby

1 Corinthians 14:20
Brethren, do not be children in understanding; however, in malice be babes, but in understanding be mature.

The new NIV puts it this way, "Brothers and sisters, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults."

Isn't it interesting that our rating system for things that are evil, immoral and which lead to debauchery are based on age. The drinking age is 21. Movies are segmented by 13 years and 17 years. We interpret appropriate TV shows through the filter of the bed times of children; after 8:00 or 9:00 things get dicey. Even video game ratings are divided by categories of "Everyone," "Youth," and "Mature."
According to Paul, age has nothing to do with liberty. Simply because we are older or stronger or wiser with time does not mean that we have a right to entertain ourselves with darker content. Instead, the older and wiser we get the more innocent we should strive to be. Isn't it youth that back the horror films, purchase most of the indecent music and drink themselves into dropout and college shipwrecks? Yet, as we age, we come to understand the value of purity, innocence, sobriety, decency. As we have kids this lesson kicks into high gear. We recognize the innocence of a baby and are reminded of God's desire for each of us.
In wisdom and understanding we should strive for maturity but this process does not demand or require familiarity with evil. We don't need to experience darkness to know what happens there. We don't need to taste poison to know its effect. We don't need to walk a mile in anyone's shoes to know they are headed in the wrong direction. God's Word is clean and clearly defines what is good and bring life and what is and does not.

Lord, may I always strive toward maturity in understanding and innocence in evil. Make me wise to recognize the darkness and poison and paths that would lead to my downfall and strong to avoid them. Amen.