Maturing with God

 

We sometimes think of adulthood and maturity as concepts that go together once we reach a certain age.  Many cultures have their own demarcation points of when immaturity ends and adulthood begins. In America we have serval key demarcation points. There is the sweet sixteen, eighteen, and 21 when young people move closer to adulthood. In Mexico there is the celebrated 15th year of age that marks the time for young girls entering womanhood. And in the Hebrew culture the ages between 12 to 13 years marks the time when a young man or woman becomes responsible to keeping God’s laws independently. But, physical age does not always indicate a mental shift from immaturity to a mature adult with God.

To be mature is to have a certain level of understanding and ability to differentiate what is appropriate and inappropriate in various situations. It is having the mental capacity to determine what is right from what is wrong using the principles or laws of God (Heb.5:11-14). This ability is continually exercised in every human interaction from marriage, child rearing, the community, organizations, even unto one’s faith.

God, in the scriptures, refers to this type of maturity as wisdom. The first step to wisdom with God is to obey him. To obey God is to know and do his statues, laws, and commandment. Wisdom is a continual practice of learning and application of what you’ve learned in the scripture to every aspect of your life. It is done through a desire to honor God.  It is also called the fear of the Lord throughout the Bible. This mindset leads us unto a true understanding that is evident when we automatically begin avoid or shun evil, which occurs because our thoughts and actions are govern by God’s laws. It is these two aspect of wisdom and understanding in the individual that God requires for true maturity to be credited to the man or the woman as they progress through the life journey (Job 28:28).

 To have the wisdom to obey God and the understanding to depart from evil is maturity regardless of your physical age.  And people reach this stage at different times in their lives as they set their minds on seeking God. Some people unfortunately never reach this point because they refuse to submit to God. They remain in a childish state unaware of the true principles of life and the benefits of avoiding foolish errors driven by ignorance and evil desires. But, there comes a time when we must put away childish things (1 Cor.13:11). To be an adult in God’s eyes then is to desire the honest wisdom of God’s word and move unto maturity by it until one comes to the understanding that allows them to separate themselves for all evil (1 Peter 2:2, 1 John 5:20).

 

Shalam,

Zarach