There are two terms to describe children; childlike and childish. They have two different meanings. Someone who is childlike is trusting and innocent. He is dependent on others, but is learning. He wants to try new things and acquire new skills. You can see progress even while he fails often. He has absolute trust in those who care for him. It is a lot of work to care for the childlike person, but the caregiver feels as though it is an investment.
The childish person, however, fails to succeed because it is easier to let others do it for him. He demands to be served and puts his wishes above others. He doesn't want to learn new things that might cause him to do things on his own. He doesn't fail because he doesn't try anything new. He doesn't trust those who care for him. He feels like he must continually assert his wishes for people to do for him what he wants. It is a lot of work to care for the childish person, and the caregiver feels as though it is a draining expense.
In the church world, there are childlike people and childish people. What sort are you?
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