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

Yesterday our children made a trip to the dentist. This is always big stuff in our house because both boys have a competition to see who can live the longest without getting a cavity (which, after the visit, is still ongoing) and also because it means a trip to the treasure chest for Sydney. The treasure chest sits behind the payment counter and is full of tons of booty that children can pick from after they’ve been good patients who held their heads still and spit in all the right places. It’s a big deal, or, at least, it used to be.

Parker announced as he was getting ready for the day that he would probably no longer get a toy from the treasure chest because he was 11. I agreed, and then he said, “Just one step closer to manhood!” I chuckled because he was trying to be funny, but the truth was undeniable: he is another step closer to being a man, and because of that, he no longer needs a trip to the treasure chest. Shiver me timbers! My boy is growing up!!

Perhaps we should, too. If we really get honest, how much of what we do in our faith is done with the hope that we’ll get something in return. We sing because the music makes us feel good, or we have a quiet time in hopes of having a good day, or we serve someone else so we won’t feel guilty about all the stuff we have. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with positive returns, but the will of God is that we all mature to the point that we no longer need them in order to do what we do.

Funny thing is, God still lavishes His children with gifts, just like Parker still got to reach in the treasure chest after the cleaning was finished. But he didn’t need the treasure to motivate him anymore, because he’s growing up, and he’s officially one step closer to manhood.

I want to serve the Lord like He is all the treasure I need. Don’t you?