When I Was a Child: How Childhood Experiences Shape Your Authentic Life

Living authentically as God’s masterpiece requires understanding how our childhood experiences either empowered us or imprisoned us from becoming who God designed us to be. These early experiences shape three critical areas of our lives: how we speak, how we think, and how we reason.

What Does It Mean to Put Away Childish Things?

In First Corinthians 13:11, Paul writes about putting away childish things when we become mature. This isn’t just about physical age – it’s about spiritual maturity. When we were children, our speaking, thinking, and reasoning were molded by our environment. As adults, we must choose to put away immature patterns that hold us back from using our gifts authentically.

The key insight is that childhood experiences either empowered us to freely be who God made us to be, or they imprisoned us in fear, doubt, and hiding. Understanding this helps us break free from limitations and embrace our authentic calling.

How Does Space Affect Your Authentic Self?

The third childhood experience that shapes us is the space we were allowed to be ourselves. This space either freed us to explore our uniqueness or forced us to become something else entirely.

You Were Made to Be a Reflection, Not a Duplication

God created you to reflect His image uniquely – not to be a duplicate of someone else. Too often, childhood environments try to make us duplications rather than celebrating our distinctiveness. Parents, teachers, friends, and even churches can fall into the trap of wanting everyone to fit the same mold.

When you’re given space to be authentic, you learn that it’s okay to be different, to use your gifts uniquely, and to speak and operate as God designed you. But when you’re forced to conform, you become a people-pleaser instead of a God-pleaser, constantly adjusting to everyone else’s expectations.

What Role Does Security Play in Your Development?

The fourth childhood experience is the security that was provided to you. As a child, you were either made to feel safe or scared. This fundamental sense of safety or fear shapes how you approach life and use your gifts as an adult.

You Were Made for God’s Use, Not Man’s Use or Abuse

God created you with gifts and abilities for His purposes. You are not here for other people’s use or abuse. When children grow up in environments of fear – whether from addiction, emotional instability, or constant crisis – their brains develop the same patterns as soldiers with PTSD.

In unsafe environments, we learn to manage what bothers others rather than discovering and developing our own gifts. We become focused on self-protection instead of freely using our abilities to serve God and others.

How Does Celebration Versus Toleration Impact You?

The fifth childhood experience is whether you were celebrated or merely tolerated. When you were celebrated, you learned to shine. When you were shamed, you learned to hide your authentic self behind a false persona.

God Rejoices Over You With Singing

Zephaniah 3:17 reveals how God sees you: “The Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.”

You were made for conquering, not cowering. When you’re celebrated, you feel wanted and needed, which shapes how you think about yourself and others. But when you’re shamed, you try to hide your authentic self and live in constant fear of not being enough.

Why Do Some People Live With Purpose While Others Don’t?

Research shows that 80% of adults believe you need to do work that makes you feel you’re living out your purpose, but only 50% actually feel they’re doing such work. Those who live with the strongest sense of purpose often share common traits, including spending time in nature and connecting with something bigger than themselves.

When we understand that our work contributes to a larger purpose – like knowing that making car seats saves lives – we find meaning beyond just earning a paycheck.

How Can You Break Free From Childhood Limitations?

The hope we have in Jesus is that we can put away childish things and embrace maturity in love and gift usage. Your past shaped you, but it didn’t sentence you to a particular outcome. You have the power to choose your attitude and responses.

Remember the people who celebrated you, spoke life over you, and made you feel safe. These individuals were God’s gifts to empower you despite difficult circumstances. Focus on these positive influences rather than dwelling on those who hurt or limited you.

Life Application

This week, intentionally surround yourself with people and environments that celebrate your uniqueness rather than trying to make you a duplicate of someone else. Identify one person from your past who made you feel safe, celebrated, or encouraged, and thank God for their influence in your life.

Challenge yourself to be that kind of person for others – someone who speaks life, provides security, and celebrates the authentic gifts in those around you. Remember that you were created to be a reflection of God’s image, not a duplication of anyone else’s expectations.

Ask yourself these questions:

• What childhood experiences are still limiting how I use my gifts today?

• Am I trying to be a duplicate of someone else’s expectations, or am I living as God’s unique reflection?

• How can I create safe, celebrating environments for the people in my life?

• What would change if I truly believed I was made for God’s use, not man’s use or abuse?