Day 9 — When I Became a Man

“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 set aside childish ways.”

— 1 Corinthians 13:11 (BSB)

Paul wrote about the difference between being a child and being a man. “When I was a child, I talked like a child…” Did you know that growing up actually changes the way you talk? Literally!

Today let’s talk about two more changes that happen during puberty.

Your voice changes. As you grow, the part of your throat that makes sound, your voice box, gets bigger. Your voice gets deeper. But it doesn’t happen all at once. For a while, your voice might crack: jumping high and low in the middle of a sentence, or squeaking at the worst possible moment. It can be embarrassing! But it’s completely normal, and it doesn’t last forever. You might also notice a bump in the front of your throat. That’s called your Adam’s apple, and it gets bigger as your voice box grows.

Hair grows in new places. During puberty, hair starts growing under your arms and in your private area, the part of your body covered by your underwear. The hair on your arms and legs might get thicker and darker. Some guys grow hair on their chest. And eventually, hair starts growing on your face: first a little fuzz on your upper lip and chin, then more over the years. When the time comes, your dad or another man you trust can teach you how to shave, if you want to.

These changes can feel strange. You might feel self-conscious, or worry that people will notice. But every man you know went through the same things. Your dad did. Your grandpa did. Your coaches and pastors did. It’s all part of God’s design for turning boys into men.

Now look at the rest of Paul’s verse: “When I became a man, I set aside childish ways.” Growing up isn’t just about your body. It’s about your heart too. Becoming a man means more than getting a deep voice or a beard. It means learning to be responsible, to control yourself, to care about others and to follow God on your own. You can start growing in those ways right now, whatever your body is doing.

If you have questions about any of these changes, ask your dad or another man you trust. There’s no such thing as a dumb question about your body.

Think about it: Which is more important to God: growing up in your body or growing up in your heart? Why?

Try this: Write down any questions you have about how your body is changing. Share them with your dad or a trusted man this week.

Dear God, thank You that You’re growing me up, in my body and in my heart. When my voice cracks or my body feels strange, help me not to be embarrassed. And help me set aside childish ways and grow into the man You made me to be. In Jesus’ name, Amen.