My kids and I have had so many conversations as they’ve grown up, about adults they interact with who behave like children. My kids have legitimately asked me about this because it confuses them so much. In their hearts they believe, as I did, that those who are older are more mature…but that’s simply not always the case.
You can grow older and still behave like a child. Age does not equal maturity. Scripture even lets us see this…
Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. 1 Timothy 4:12
And as we’ve discussed before the path to maturity is also written I scripture…
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4
I’ve learned from observation, over the years, that some adults have no idea how to navigate troubles. Even the totally normal troubles of the day strike a broken part within them that lashes out with insecurity and childishness.
Childish behavior is starkly different than childlike faith.
Childish behavior lashes out in anger instead of stepping back and asking for wisdom. Childish behavior makes everything about them. Childish behavior feigns grace and generosity, but at its core is presenting selfishly again…to create a false martyrdom around themselves. Childish behavior cannot accept differing opinions and shuts down and/or goes into the “woe is me” pattern to deflect any need for them to mature and change.
What if we all decided to pursue maturity…and to raise families who are able to mature…and who minister to others in a way that teaches them to mature and take responsibility for themselves.
It’s not easy and takes a great deal of self-control, but I believe if we want to turn our nation around, it begins with each one of us learning how to mature.
It begins with us, but then we must raise generations after us in a way that causes them to mature. That’s the only way to break this toxic cycle.
If you will, repeat this prayer…
God, please forgive me for resisting maturity in any way. I surrender to You and the growth opportunities You’ve brought into my life. Thank You for loving me enough to make me grow up. Teach me how to raise a family who also learns how to mature. Make us complete, lacking nothing. Come and lead our family. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
365 Days in the Presence 