When someone says you are so mature, what do you suppose they mean? Is it by the manner in which you speak? By your appearance? Or maybe by the great advice you give? There are young people who are mature thinkers. There are older people who are still babes in their ways and words.
Maturity isn’t about age, appearance, achievements or academics. God determines a mature person as one who possesses a healthy character. A mature person remains positive under pressure. They understand that situations that happen in their lives are inevitable, good or bad. He understands that sometimes events are beyond his control. So instead of worrying about them, he rides the tide and handles the wave when it reaches a point in which he could gain control over it.
A mature person is sensitive to other people. Someone who is empathetic to the needs of others and genuinely listens and assesses the situation as if it was their own and extends assistance to make the other person feel special about not having to go through a rough time alone.
A mature person has mastered her mouth and tongue. By this I mean, not letting negative talk come out but instead building others up according to their needs. (Ephesians 4:29). James “If anyone considers himself religious, and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.” In the same token, whatever words your tongue produces will also control the direction of your life.
God teaches us to affirm what we want to happen to us. If we affirm with gratitude that we are healthy, full of God’s grace, and anything positive we want, it is not the universe that grants this to us because the universe is owned by God. We need to seriously recognize and thank God for all of our blessings already. Forget about the psychics, no one can tell what is in your future but God.
A mature person is a peacemaker, not a troublemaker. There are two sources of conflicts within the human race. They are selfishness and judgment. We are all guilty of these things at one point or another. Selfishness and judgment are a result of the desires that battle within us according to James 4:1. Most of the time we are selfish and judgmental, it is because there are issues inside of us that we battle and in turn create for others. Be watchful of your thoughts so as not to manifest through your words.
A mature person is patient and prayerful. There is nothing else on this earth that is more powerful than a relationship with God. When I first talked with Him I felt so silly. Now, I ask Him for everything, especially with my art. My art manifests everything that is God! He is the producer, director, subject and final finished product. I give Him praise every day! I hope you would too.
Ask yourselves these questions:
1) Are you positive under pressure?
2) Are you sensitive to the needs of other people?
3) Have you learned to master your mouth and tongue?
4) Are you a peacemaker or a troublemaker?
5) Are you patient and prayerful about life?
Until the next rant… LOVE ONE ANOTHER!
P.S. Are you proud that I quoted the bible verses? Yay! Here’s some more pertaining to this subject
James 5:7, 11
James 5:16b1 Timothy 3:8, 10
Hebrews 5:11-14
James 1:2-4
James 1-12
James 2:8
James 3:2
James 4:1
For more research on stages of maturity in adults and children: http://www.learningplaceonline.com/stages/organize/Erikson.htm
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