Word of the Week - Maturity

Because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.  Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.  James 1:3-4

Mature defined – The definition of a mature person is someone who has reached full growth mentally, emotionally and spiritually.  Reaching full natural growth and development;  Realizing your full God given potential. 

Characteristics of a Mature person:

• Show restraint – have control over their own feelings and emotions Mark 15:4
• Responsible – they take responsibility for themselves and their actions Galatians 6:5-10
• Grateful – they are thankful for what they have and recognize their blessings 1 Thes 5:18
• Secure – they know who they are and are comfortable in their own skin 2 Corinthians 5:17
• Considerate – they are aware of the needs of others 1 Corinthians 10:24
• Humble – they recognize the value of others and are less about themselves and their ego Romans 12:3
• Flexible – willing to work with others and adjust their agenda to accommodate others 1 Corinthians 1:10
• Non-Judgmental – they look for the best in all people and reserve judgement  Luke 6:37  
• Self-aware – they recognize that they have issues and blind spots that need to be addressed Psalm 51:10-12
• Continuous learner – they realize there is always room to grow and improve Psalm 25:4-6

Growth & Maturity:  

We must grow to mature but growth by itself does not translate to maturity.  Some people do a lot of growing and never mature and reach their full potential.  Maturing is a different process that involves time, experience and walking through and being tested by trials in life .  People and organizations can grow very rapidly in short amounts of time but they don’t necessarily mature.  In fact many times rapid growth results in relative immaturity.  We see this often in businesses that experience rapid growth but have not had the time to mature by being tested, and therefore have not built a foundation of maturity needed to sustain the business.  This can create illusions of grandeur that are not healthy and many times lead organizations down a path of dysfunction and ultimate failure.  Just like the lifecycle of a business or product in business is the lifecycle of a person.  Maturation is a process that requires time and experience with a willingness to learn and grow through the experiences and trials of life.  This is the theme of James 1:3-4 above and also outlined by Paul in Romans 5:3-5, “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance produces character; and character produces hope.  And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy spirit, who has been given to us.”   

So let’s rejoice in the trials and challenges of life recognizing that they are a gift allowing us to become mature and complete in Christ Jesus.

Have a great week!!!

-Duane