Occasionally, as a child, I would run into the room where all the adults were sitting to ask a question. Then I would begin to ramble on about some meaningless thoughts of a child, and my parents would stop me and say, “The adults are talking.”

That was my cue to leave the room because they were discussing things that didn’t concern me. More than once, I tried to eavesdrop on their conversation from the other room and realized I had no idea what they were talking about. They would converse about doctor’s visits and diagnoses, retirement, paying bills, and who was getting a d-i-v-o-r-c-e.

Some topics require a level of maturity to care about, discuss, or even understand.

Scripture consistently calls believers toward spiritual maturity. Paul writes about reaching “the whole measure of the fullness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:13). At the same time, the author of Hebrews distinguishes between spiritual “milk” for new believers and “solid food” for the mature (Hebrews 5:14). James reminds us that perseverance develops maturity, making us “complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:4).

This progression isn’t about intelligence or natural ability; instead, it’s about spiritual formation over time. Just as a child cannot fully grasp the weight of adult responsibilities, newer believers may not yet have the spiritual foundation to engage deeply with complex theological concepts or challenging life applications of faith.

I’ve been privileged to participate in conversations that have profoundly shaped my understanding of God and His ways. These discussions about suffering and sovereignty, grace and justice, or faith and doubt, require not just biblical knowledge but spiritual maturity cultivated through experience and reflection.

Sometimes, when someone joins these conversations without the necessary spiritual groundwork, I find myself wishing I could lovingly say what my parents once told me: “The adults are talking.”

This principle feels especially relevant when we engage with people on social media as well.