The Apostle compares the present life to childhood, not because it is without value, but because it remains incomplete. A child possesses real understanding, yet it is limited and immature. So too the soul in this life truly knows God, yet only according to its present weakness. Men often become proud of their wisdom and suppose themselves already complete; but Paul reminds us that all earthly understanding remains small compared with the fullness that is to come. (St. John Chrysostom)

“When I was a child.” Augustine teaches that the Christian life itself is a gradual growth toward maturity in God. In the beginning the soul is often occupied with outward things, sensible consolations, and imperfect understandings. Yet God patiently leads it forward, purifying and enlarging it little by little. Thus spiritual growth is not merely the accumulation of knowledge, but the transformation of the soul itself. The more charity increases, the more childish ways are left behind. (St. Augustine)

“But, when I became a man, I put away the things of a child.” The Apostle does not condemn childhood, but shows that maturity requires leaving behind what once belonged to an earlier stage. In the same way, the Christian must gradually put away spiritual immaturity: vanity, instability, pride, jealousy, and attachment to worldly praise. For many grow older in body while remaining childish in soul, still governed by passions and self-love. Charity alone brings true spiritual maturity because it orders the soul toward God rather than toward itself. (St. John Chrysostom)

The Fathers also see here the passing from the present life into the perfection of heaven. All that now belongs to weakness and partial understanding shall one day be left behind. The soul shall no longer cling to earthly shadows, because it will possess more fully the reality toward which they pointed. Augustine often says that the whole course of this life is a training in holy desire. We are being enlarged for what we cannot yet fully receive. Therefore the imperfections of the present state should not lead the soul to despair, but to humility and hope, knowing that God is gradually preparing it for eternal maturity in His presence. (St. Augustine)

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Sources: St. John Chrysostom, Homilies on First Corinthians, Homily 34; St. Augustine, sermons and writings on spiritual growth, charity, and eternal life.