GROWING UP

Have you ever thought about it that when things happen in a neighbourhood, people always say it is the "Area Boys or the Gangsters" who did it. Why do they say they are the ones when bad things happen? What is so particular about them? These area boys are not kids but adults and some even have families with kids. I have asked myself, why are they not called Area Men instead of Area Boys? I realised the reason is because they are still childish. The Bible says in 1 Cor 13:11 NIV (11 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 the ways of childhood behind me).

They talk, reason and think like kids which is exhibited in their actions when they destroy, bully, attack, steal and take things by force from people. Please, don't get me wrong. Children are a blessing from the lord. Matt 18:2-3 NCV says, (2.Jesus called a little child to him and stood the child before his followers.3.Then he said,“I tell you the truth, you must change and become like little children. Otherwise, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven). Children are great to be and relate with. They are not like Adults who hardly forgive. Children forgive easily no matter who offends them. No wonder the Bible says that in regards to sin, we should be like children. But their thinking and reasoning are funny.

A child may see fire and puts his hand in it. Many times when a child is talking, adults don't really understand them. We just play along so that they can feel loved. If a child has not destroyed a thing like toys, television, their eyes will not be clear. A child will climb a table, a fence, or high place not thinking they are endangering their lives. A child can emotionally blackmail you to buy something. He can also defecate or pee on his body at any place or time and he can walk away from you if not firmly held. These are some characteristics of children most parents don't like. This is the same thoughts pattern and reasoning those guys(Area Boys) exhibit. Many of us exhibit these qualities without knowing it. If you forcefully take things from people, if you bully and destroy people and things, extort things from people, are you not exhibiting the same qualities as those boys?

We all need to grow up. If you do things that endangers lives and deliberately ignore your responsibilities, your reasoning and thoughts pattern are like that of a child. We all need to GROW UP and take up RESPONSIBILITY in the areas we have been childish.